An in vivo comparative evaluation to determine the accuracy of working length between radiographic and electronic apex locators.

Background: An in vivo comparative evaluation to determine the accuracy of working length between radiographic and electronic apex locators. Aim: The study was aimed at evaluating the accuracy of electronic apex locator, to determine the working length of root canal, and to compare it with the radiographic method of working length determination. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 teeth selected for the study had to go for extraction because of periodontal or orthodontic reasons. Access cavity was prepared and the clinical estimated working length (CEWL) was determined with 10-25 no. K-file. A radiograph was then taken for determining the radiographic estimated working length (REWL). For electronic measurement of root canal, a 10 no. K-file was advanced toward the apex until it reached a 0.5 mm short of apex as shown by the apex locator. After fixing the file with a light cured composite, the tooth was extracted, the tooth surface was then longitudinally grounded using straight fissure diamond bur until the root canal and the tip of the file were visible. The distance of file from the minor constriction was measured with help of stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis : The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis for this study. Results: The chi-square test where χ2 = 21.034 with P = 0.000 indicated that a significant difference exists among the groups. The electronic method showed highest number of cases with the working length at the minor constrictor. Conclusion: The electronic method for determining the working length of root canal was found to be more accurate than the radiographic method.

Effect of cavity varnish and intermediate restorative material on coronal microleakage in endodontically treated tooth.

Aim: Evaluation of microleakage in endodontically treated teeth that have been coronally sealed with eugenol and noneugenol containing zinc oxide cement, with and without the use of cavity varnish. Materials and Methods: The crowns of single rooted teeth were removed at the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and the root canals were prepared and obturated with gutta-percha points and zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE) sealer using lateral condensation technique. The samples were randomly divided into four groups-group 1, coronal seal was obtained with ZOE cement; in group 2, three coats of cavity varnish followed with coronal seal of ZOE cement; in group 3, Litark a (noneugenol cement) was placed in the prepared cavity as in group 1; and in group 4, cavity varnish and Litark were placed instead of ZOE as in group 2. The specimens were immersed in 2% methylene blue dye and examined under traveling microscope for evidence of dye penetration of the material. Statistical Analysis: In this study, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon W tests were used. Results: Kruskal-Wallis test with P=0.000 indicated that a significant difference exists between the four groups. Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon W test showed a significant difference at 0.05 levels as follows: group 1 with group 3 and 4, group 2 with group 3 and 4, and group 3 with group 4. There was no significant difference at 0.05 levels between group 1 and group 2. Conclusion: Group 4 showed significant less amount of dye penetration as compared with other groups.