Comparative Assessment of Working Length Determination: Apex Locators versus Endomotor with Built-in Apex Locator in Single-Rooted Permanent Teeth.

Aim: To compare the effectiveness of Apex Locators and Endomotor with built-in Apex Locators for determining the working length in root canal treatment. Methods: A total of 120 patients were randomly assigned to three groups: Group 1 (Root ZX Mini Apex Locator), Group 2 (Minipex Apex Locator), and Group 3 (Endopilot Endomotor with built-in Apex Locator). Working length was determined using respective devices, followed by canal preparation and radiographic confirmation with a master cone. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in working length determination between Apex Locators and Endomotor with built-in Apex Locators. Acceptable working length was achieved in 105 out of 120 cases. Conclusion: The Root ZX Mini, Minipex, and Endopilot demonstrated comparable efficacy in determining working length during root canal treatment. These devices offer reliable alternatives to traditional radiographic methods, providing clinicians with accurate measurements and contributing to successful treatment outcomes.

Comparative evaluation of the accuracy of two electronic apex locators in detecting simulated incomplete vertical root fractures: An in vitro stereomicroscopic study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of two different electronic apex locators (EALs) in detecting simulated incomplete vertical root fractures (VRFs). Materials and Methods: Thirty freshly extracted single-rooted teeth were randomly divided into three groups of 10 teeth each labeled as Groups A, B, and C. Incomplete VRFs were simulated in the coronal, middle, and apical one-third of the roots for Groups A, B, and C, respectively. The teeth were embedded in alginate mold and fracture location was determined with Root ZX and Propex EALs for each sample and each group. To calculate the actual length (AL), each sample was sectioned at the upper level of the vertical fracture, and the length was measured by setting the stopper of the #10 K file under a stereomicroscope at ×30 magnification. The electronic lengths and ALs were compared using computer software, and the results were analyzed using SPSS 28.0 at a 95% confidence level. Results: No significant differences were seen in the accuracy of the two EALs when compared with ALs. Root ZX showed significantly longer measurements than ALs in groups B and C. Conclusion: The tested EALs showed low accuracy (20%) in detecting simulated incomplete VRFs with a tendency for longer measurements compared to ALs.

Evaluation of changes in root canal length and accuracy of the electronic apex locator during different stages of endodontic treatment and retreatment.

This study evaluated changes in the root canal length (RCL) and the accuracy of the electronic apex locator (EAL) during the different stages of endodontic treatment and retreatment. Fifty-six mesial root canals of mandibular molars were selected. The actual root canal length (AL) of the canals was obtained by inserting a size 15 hand file up to the apical foramen, under magnification. The electronic lengths were obtained at the "APEX" mark of Root ZX II, using an alginate model. Both measurements were performed at three different stages of the initial root canal treatment-unflared, flared, and concluded-and at two stages of retreatment, after achieving patency and repreparation. Data were statistically analyzed and the significance level established was 5%. All stages produced a significant reduction in the AL (p < 0.05). The greatest variation was observed between the unflared-flared stages (0.2 mm) and between concluded-patency stages (0.09 mm), with no difference between them (p > 0.05). The accuracy of Root ZX II was negatively affected after achieving patency, presenting statistically significant difference compared to the other stages (p < 0.05). A significant reduction in the RCL was observed along the different stages of endodontic treatment and retreatment. The EAL was accurate to measure the root canals in most stages, except after achieving patency for endodontic retreatment. Determining and monitoring the RCL is an essential step towards a favorable prognosis, since it reduced along the different stages evaluated. Root ZX II was not accurate for endodontic retreatment.

Evaluation of accuracy of an electronic apex locator in presence of sodium hypochlorite in primary teeth with and without resorption.

This study compared the accuracy of Root ZX mini apex locator in presence of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in primary molars with and without apical resorption. Sixty-four extracted primary lower molar teeth with 32 root resorption and 32 without resorption were selected. To determine the actual working length (AWL), a K-file was inserted into the root canal until the tip of the file was visible at the major foramen or the resolution level. It was then withdrawn 1 mm. This value was recorded as AWL. The teeth were then divided subgroups (with/without NaOCl). To determine the electronic working length, a Root ZX mini apex locator in canals with/without NaOCl was used. A K-file was inserted into the canal to just beyond the foramen, as indicated by the flashing "APEX" bar, and the electronic working length was determined by subtracting 1 mm from this length. The deviation of the Root ZX mini measurement from the AWL was determined. Student's t-test was used for statistical analysis. In teeth with no resorption, the measurement accuracy rates (within+/-0.5 mm) of non-NaOCl and NaOCl groups were 84.37% and 81.25%, respectively (p > 0.05); within+/-1 mm, the non-NaOCl and NaOCl demonstrated 100% and 96.87% accuracy, respectively (p > 0.05). In teeth with resorption, the measurement accuracy rates (within+/-0.5 mm) was 81.25% for the non-NaOCl and 62.50% for the NaOCl, respectively (p < 0.05). The measurement accuracy rates (within+/-1 mm) of the non-NaOCl and NaOCl was 96.87% and 84.37%, respectively (p < 0.05). The presence of NaOCl in the root canal affected the accuracy of the Root ZX mini in primary teeth with apical resorption, but not in teeth without resorption.

The Effect of Coronal Pre-flaring and Type of Root Canal Irrigation on Working Length Accuracy Using Electronic Apex Locators.

Background: Successful root canal treatment is influenced by the apical extent of root canal preparation and the eventual root canal filling. Achieving the full working length until the apical constriction, which is usually 0.5 - 1 mm shorter than the anatomical apex, is crucial. Electronic apex locators were used to detect the working length more accurately. There are six generations of electronic apex locators in the market. The selection of the appropriate irrigation with each apex locator for accurate working length determination is not fully investigated. Methods: The actual working lengths of 120 freshly extracted human single-rooted teeth were measured and compared with their working lengths using 3 rd generation (Root ZX) followed by 6 th generation (Raypex 6) apex locators in dry medium, presence of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite, and 2% chlorhexidine, without coronal pre-flaring and after coronal pre-flaring using the same irrigating media. Data were collected, tabulated, and afterward analyzed using one-way ANOVA with post-hoc to evaluate the significant difference in average working length between actual working length, Root ZX, and Raypex 6 apex locator working lengths accuracy. Results: The significant results were shown in roots that were coronally pre-flared and their working lengths were measured in a dry medium using Raypex 6 apex locator. While using the Root ZX apex locator, the most accurate results were shown in roots that were coronally pre-flared and their working lengths were measured while using a chlorhexidine irrigating solution. Conclusions: It is concluded that it is very important to know the specific irrigating medium to be used with each specific electronic apex locator to achieve the most accurate working length results.

Accuracy of Root ZX Electronic Apex Locator in Relation to Two Different Employment Protocols: An In Vitro Study.

Objective The aim of this study is to determine the apical level of the root canal, whether it is the apical foramen or a level coronal to it, that Root ZX (J. Morita Co., Kyoto, Japan) targets and to identify its employment protocol that provides better accuracy. Methods Actual lengths (ALs) of 75 extracted single-rooted teeth were obtained by inserting a K-file size 8 until its tip was in level with the most coronal border of the apical foramen. Reference length (RL) was calculated by deducting 0.5 mm from AL. Roots were placed in porous sponge block soaked with Ringer's solution, and canals were irrigated with 2 mL of 5% sodium hypochlorite. The blinded operator used Root ZX to measure lengths with K-file size 8. In the first tested employment protocol, the file was advanced to the "APEX mark" of the digital display, and the length was obtained. The second employment protocol followed the manufacturer's recommendations by inserting the file until the "APEX mark" followed by its withdrawal to the "0.5 mark." Stability of the digital meter for 5 seconds was mandatory before recording the lengths. All measurements were repeated one week later and then both measurements were averaged to represent "APEX mark" and "0.5 mark," respectively. Data were analyzed using t-test, with significance set at 0.05. Results Regardless of the employment protocol, most registered lengths were longer than targeted. The mean "APEX mark" was significantly longer than the mean AL (P=0.000), and the mean "0.5 mark" was significantly longer than the mean RL (P=0.000). Although the mean "0.5 mark" was longer than the mean AL, the difference was not significant (P=0.07). Conclusion The apical level of the root canal targeted by the Root ZX was the apical foramen. The most accurate employment protocol to achieve that is to use the Root ZX according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Influence of Hand File Size on the Accuracy of Root ZX and iPex Electronic Apex Locators: An In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of the hand file size on the accuracy of Root ZX (J. Morita Co., Kyoto, Japan) and iPex (NSK, Tochigi, Japan). METHODS: Seventy-five single-rooted teeth were decoronated, and canals were coronally flared with Gates Glidden burs sizes 4, 3, and 2. Actual canal length was determined by averaging two readings obtained by inserting K-file size 8 until its tip was apparent at the most coronal border of the apical foramen. The reference length was actual length-0.5 mm. The blinded operator utilized Root ZX and iPex following the manufacturer's recommendations. Teeth were placed in sponge blocks soaked with Ringer's solution. Canals were irrigated with 5% sodium hypochlorite. K-file size 8 was attached to the lip clip and introduced until the APEX/0.0 mark, then withdrawn to the 0.5 mark. A stable meter gauge for five seconds indicated an acceptable reading. Readings with sizes 10 and 15 were obtained afterward. All measurements were done twice, then averaged. Data analysis was done using ANOVA and a posthoc Bonferroni test with the significance level set at P<0.05. RESULTS: For Root ZX, the mean length with size 8 was not significantly different from the mean reference length (P=0.205). The same was found for its mean length at size 10 (P=0.093). However, the mean Root ZX length with size 15 was significantly shorter than the mean reference length (P=0.019). Mean iPex lengths with sizes 8, 10, and 15 were all significantly shorter than the mean reference length (P=0.038, 0.006, and 0.02, respectively). CONCLUSION: The size of the hand file affected the precision of Root ZX and iPex.

An in vitro evaluation of the WIRELE-x electronic apex locator.

This study evaluated the accuracy of the Wirele-X (Forum Tec, Ashkelon, Israel), a novel Bluetooth-enabled wireless electronic apex locator. Thirty-one extracted teeth with mature apices were used. Under 10X magnification, the actual canal lengths were determined. The teeth were embedded in alginate and electronic canal lengths were obtained using the Root ZX II and Wirele-X electronic apex locators. The actual canal lengths and electronic canal lengths were compared with Student's t-test. The average distance from the file tip to the actual canal length was -0.11 mm (±0.16) for the Root ZX II, and - 0.07 mm (±0.21) for the Wirele-X. There were no statistically significant differences between the two electronic apex locators in their ability to determine the actual canal length (p > 0.05). The wireless apex locator (Wirele-X) and the wired apex locator (Root ZX II) were found to be equally accurate.

Variations in the morphology of apical constriction affecting electronic readings: An in vitro investigation using 3D-printed tooth models.

We investigated the interference of apical constriction position and diameter on the accuracy of electronic apex locators using 3D-printed tooth models. Single-rooted tooth models with the same length, canal taper and major foramen, but variation in apical constriction position or size, were designed and 3D-printed. A mounting model was custom-made for precise measurement of both marks (0.5 and APEX/0.0) of two electronic apex locators. The electronic measurements of both devices were correlated significantly to the major foramen rather than apical constriction. The mean measurements of the group with 0.45 mm in apical constriction width were significantly shorter than those of the other groups for both marks of the two devices (p < 0.05). The variations in apical constriction position and width negatively affected the precision of the 0.5 mark of the tested devices. The 0.0 or APEX mark was consistently located the major foramen.

Accuracy of the KontrolFlex AccuFile when used with the Root ZX electronic apex locator in vitro.

The aims of this study were to determine the efficacy of the KontrolFlex™ Accufile™ compared to the READY•STEEL™ Flexofile® using an electronic apex locator and to evaluate the instrument's design via scanning electron microscopy. Actual canal lengths of 30 extracted teeth were determined under magnification. An alginate model was used to determine experimental canal lengths with the Root ZX II apex locator (EAL) and size #10 Accufiles and Flexofiles. Differences between actual lengths and experimental lengths were compared with Student's t test. The average experimental lengths were short of the actual length by -0.10 mm (±0.34) and -0.12 mm (±0.16) for the Accufile and Flexofile, respectively with no statistical difference (p > 0.05). SEM images revealed similar non-cutting Batt tips and a square cross-section for the Accufile and triangular for the Flexofile. Both files provided similarly high levels of reliability when used with the Root ZX II EAL.

Comparison of Radiovisiography, an Apex Locator and an Integrated Endomotor-inbuilt Apex Locator in Primary Teeth Endometrics.

Aim and objective: To compare the accuracy of radiovisiography (RVG), Root ZX mini Apex locator, and Endo radar's inbuilt Apex Locator during working length determination determination in primary teeth with the actual/direct canal length. Materials and methods: 58 primary teeth indicated for extraction in children of age group 4-12 years were selected. RVG, Root ZX mini Apex Locator, and Endo radar's Apex Locator were used to determine the working length intraorally. Following extraction of the teeth, the actual working length was determined with magnifying loupes (2.5×) using a K-file and an endodontic ruler. The data was tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: 84 canals (58 teeth) were evaluated and Root ZX mini Electronic Apex Locator (EAL) showed no statistically significant difference with the actual measurement (p = 0.18) whereas Endo radar and RVG showed statistically significant difference. Endo radar underestimated, while RVG overestimated the working length. The most accurate method for working length measurements of the root canals in primary teeth was Root ZX mini EAL, followed by Endo radar and the least accurate was RVG. Conclusion: The Root ZX mini Apex Locator showed the most promising results and had an excellent degree of agreement with actual working length, followed by Endo radar and RVG. How to cite this article: Khan SA, Khanna R, Navit S, et al. Comparison of Radiovisiography, an Apex Locator and an Integrated Endomotor-inbuilt Apex Locator in Primary Teeth Endometrics. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent. 2022;15(S-1):S18-S21.

The accuracy of two electronic apex locators on effect of preflaring and file size: An in vitro study.

AIM: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of preflaring and file size on the accuracy of the Root ZX and E-PEX Pro electronic apex locators (EALs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The actual working length was set 1 mm short of the apical foramen in the forty extracted mandibular premolars. The teeth were embedded in an alginate mold, and two examiners performed the electronic measurements using #10, #15, and #20 K-files. The files were inserted into the root canals until the "0.0" or "APEX" signals were observed on the light-emitting diode or display screens for the E-PEX Pro and Root ZX, respectively, retracting to the 1.0 mark. The measurements were repeated after the preflaring using the S1 and SX Pro-Taper instruments. The mean differences between the actual length and electronic length values were analyzed by the Wilcoxon signed-ranked test with a significance level of P < 0.05. The factors evaluated were "Accuracy of EALs," "size of file," and "presence of preflaring. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in the accuracy of both EALs when compared with the actual lengths. On the size of the file, significant difference noticed with #20 K-file. The preflaring procedure significantly (P < 0.05) increased the accuracy of the measurements for the Root ZX and Epex Pro. CONCLUSIONS: The tested EALs showed acceptable accuracy, whereas the preflaring procedure revealed a more significant effect than the used file size.

Comparative evaluation of root ZX Mini® apex locator and radiovisiography in determining the working length of primary molars: An In Vivo study.

INTRODUCTION: Working length determination is a crucial step for success of pulpectomy. Various new modalities have been developed. The newest technology includes EAL. Electronic apex locators require less chair side time, do not produce pain and avoid unnecessary radiation which makes it more superior in paediatric endodontic procedures. AIM: To evaluate and compare Root ZX mini apex locator and Radiovisiography (RVG) for determining working length in primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 30 primary molar teeth was subjected to working length determination by Root ZX mini and RVG. The data was collected and then tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: On comparison among two groups, it was found there was no difference between the efficiency of modalities. A positive correlation was seen among Root ZX mini and RVG (ICC â€‹= â€‹0.99). CONCLUSION: Root ZX mini and radiovisiography are seen to be precise in determination of working length in primary molars. It can be said that Root ZX mini i. e the electronic apex locators can be used as an adjunct to Radiovisiography and conventional radiography.

Comparación de la precisión de la longitud de trabajo de cuatro localizadores apicales electrónicos con limas de acero inoxidable y níquel-titanio en conductos mesiovestibulares de primeras molares inferiores / Comparison of the precision of the working length of four electronic apical locators with stainless steel files and titanium nickel in mesiovestibular ducts of first lower molars

Objetivo: El propósito del estudio in vitro fue comparar la precisión de la longitud de trabajo de Root ZX mini, Proper Pixi, Woodpex III y Raypex 6 utilizando limas de acero inoxidable VDW C-Pilot n.º 15 y de níquel-titanio Maillefer n.º15. Materiales y métodos: Este estudio fue experimental in vitro. La muestra fue de treinta y cinco conductos mesiovestibulares de primeras molares inferiores, con cuatro localizadores apicales electrónicos Root ZX mini, Proper Pixi, Woodpex III y Raypex6. La longitud real se determinó con un calibrador Vernier digital y la medición electrónica se realizó utilizando limas de acero inoxidable y de níquel-titanio. Resultados: Al comparar la longitud real y longitud electrónica, no se encontró diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: Se halló diferencias estadísticamente significativas al comparar la precisión de Root ZX mini, Proper Pixi, Woodpex III y Raypex 6 con limas de acero inoxidable; mientras que la precisión con limas de níquel-titanio no se vio afectada. (AU)

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the precision of the working length of Root ZX mini, Proper Pixi, Woodpex III and Raypex 6 using VDW C-Pilot No. 15 with Maillefer nickel titanium No. 15 and stainless steel files in mesiovestibular ducts of first lower molars. Materials and methods: This was an experimental in vitro study, including 35 mesiobuccal canals of lower first molars. The real length of 4 electronic apical locators, Root ZX mini, Proper Pixi, Woodpex III and Raypex6, was determined with a digital Vernier caliper, and electronic measurements were recorded using stainless steel and nickel titanium files. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the real and the electronic lengths of the different tools studied (p <0.05). Conclusions: Statistically significant differences were obtained when comparing the precision of Root ZX mini, Proper Pixi, Woodpex III and Raypex 6 with stainless steel files, while the precision of nickel titanium files was not affected. (AU)

Comparative Evaluation of Accuracy of Ipex, Root Zx Mini, and Epex Pro Apex Locators in Teeth with Artificially Created Root Perforations in Presence of Various Intracanal Irrigants.

Objective: The study aimed to compare and evaluate the accuracy of iPex, Root ZX mini, and Epex Pro Electronic apex locators (EALs) in diagnosing root perforations in both dry and in different wet conditions: 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), and 17% Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA). Methods: Thirty extracted, human single rooted mandibular premolars were artificially perforated with a diameter of 1.5 mm in middle third of root. Actual canal lengths (ALs) in millimetre (mm) were evaluated for all teeth up to perforation location, and alginate mould were used to embed the teeth. After this, the electronic measurements were calculated by all EALs up to perforation site using a 20 K-file in both dry and wet canal conditions. Up to the perforation sites, the ALs were subtracted from the electronic length. Statistical analyses were done using One-way ANOVA with post hoc tukey's test for pairwise comparison and the level of significance was set at 0.05. Results: All three EAL's detected canal perforations which were clinically acceptable. There was significant difference for dry and wet conditions. Most accurate measurement were seen in dry canals for all three EALs. Root ZX mini in dry condition showed most accurate reading and there was a significant difference when compared with other groups. No significance difference was observed in iPex and Epex Pro Apex locator, and between NaOCl and CHX, CHX and EDTA. Conclusion: Perforations were determined within a clinical acceptable range of 0.03-0.05 mm by all three EALs. Root ZX mini in dry canals gave most accurate measurement. The presence of irrigating solution influenced the accuracy of all the apex locators.

Impact of Apical Patency on Accuracy of Electronic Apex Locators: In Vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to investigate the importance of apical patency and its influence on the accuracy of 2 apex locators (Root ZX and Raypex 6). METHODS: We determined the actual working length under dental operating microscope at ×25 magnification in 43 extracted human mandibular molars with completely formed roots and patent apical foramen. Readings of the 2 apex locators were then compared with the actual microscopic working length. Thereafter, we established apical blockage at the apical foramen; files were introduced to the same previous length determined by each apex locator before blockage. Variation in the readings of apex locators after blockage was compared with original readings before blockage to determine the measurement error. RESULTS: Friedman's test showed no statistically significant difference between the 2 apex locators before blockage (P > .05; effect size = 0.013). Within the margin of accuracy ±1, both Root ZX and Raypex 6 revealed the same percentage of accuracy, 96.7%. After blockage, both apex locators revealed a statistically significant difference in median measurement error compared with the measurements before blockage (P < .05; effect size = 0.305). Root ZX showed a higher median measurement error (>-1 mm and 0.01-0.5 mm) than Raypex 6. CONCLUSIONS: Apical foramen blockage has a negative influence on the accuracy of apex locators that was more pronounced in Root ZX than Raypex 6.

In Vivo Evaluation of 3 Electronic Apex Locators: Root ZX Mini, Apex ID, and Propex Pixi.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this in vivo study was to compare the accuracy of 3 electronic apex locators (EALs) (Root ZX mini [J Morita Corp, Tokyo, Japan], Apex ID [SybronEndo, Glendora, CA], and Propex Pixi [Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland]) to determine the working length. METHODS: Thirty single-rooted human teeth that were scheduled for extraction were selected for the study. Electronic measurements were performed with the 3 EALs. After the teeth had been extracted, a #10 K-file was used to determine the actual working length, which was established at 0.5 mm short of the major foramen. The data were statistically analyzed with analysis of variance (α = 0.05). RESULTS: No significant differences were found among the experimental groups (P > .05). The mean distance from the actual working length to the file tip was 0.163 ± 0.032 mm when Root ZX mini was used, 0.343 ± 0.032 mm for Propex Pixi , and 0.012 ± 0.008 mm for Apex ID. CONCLUSIONS: Under the in vivo conditions of this study, no statistically significant differences were observed among the 3 EALs.

Comparative evaluation of the effect of various irrigants and dry canal on electronic apex locators in locating simulated root perforations: an in vitro study / Avaliação comparativa do efeito de vários irrigantes e canal seco em localizadores apicais eletrônicos na localização de perfurações radiculares simuladas: um estudo in vitro

Objective: this study aimed to evaluate the effects of irrigants and dry canal on the accuracy of electronic apex locator (EAL) in locating simulated root perforations. Material and methods: twenty singlerooted, mandibular premolars were decoronated at CEJ, and the contents were removed with a barbed broach. The canals were instrumented up to a size of 15 K-file. The roots were artificially perforated at 4 mm from the anatomic apex. The actual length (AL) up to the perforation site was determined. The electronic length (EL) of perforations was obtained by Root ZX mini and iRoot in the dry canal and in the presence of 5.2% NaOCl, SmearOff, and 0.9% sodium chloride using a size 20 K-file. The differences between the EL and AL of the perforations were calculated. Statistical analyses using Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to analyse the data with the level of significance set at p <0.05. Results: there were significant differences in different canal conditions with both Root ZX mini and i Root. Measurements in dry canals were significantly longer for both apex locators (p <0.05). Measurements with NaOCl were significantly shorter for both apex locators (p < 0.05). Both apex locators produced significantly accurate values for Saline and Smear OFF (p < 0.05). Conclusions: in this study, both Root ZX mini and i Root were affected by different canal conditions. The most accurate measurements were seen in the presence of saline and SmearOFF. (AU)

Objetivo: este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os efeitos de irrigantes e canal seco na precisão do localizador apical eletrônico (EAL) em localizar perfurações radiculares simuladas. Material e métodos: vinte pré-molares inferiores unirradiculares tiveram suas coroas removidas na altura da JEC e o tecido pulpar removido com um extirpa nervos. Os canais foram instrumentados até a largura de uma lima k 15. As raízes foram perfuradas artificialmente a 4 mm do ápice anatômico. O comprimento real (AL) até o local da perfuração foi determinado. O comprimento eletrônico (EL) das perfurações foi obtido pelo Root ZX mini e iRoot no canal seco e na presença de 5,2% de NaOCl, SmearOff e 0,9% de cloreto de sódio usando uma lima K tamanho 20. As diferenças entre o EL e o AL das perfurações foram calculadas. Análises estatísticas, utilizando os testes de sinais por postos de Friedman e Wilcoxon, foram realizadas para analisar os dados com o nível de significância estabelecido em p < 0,05. Resultados: houve diferenças significativas nas diferentes condições do canal, tanto no Root ZX mini quanto no i Root. As medidas em canais secos foram significativamente maiores nos dois localizadores apicais (p < 0,05). As medidas com NaOCl foram significativamente mais curtas para os dois localizadores apicais (p<0,05). Ambos os localizadores apicais produziram valores significativamente precisos para Saline e Smear OFF (p < 0,05). Conclusões: neste estudo, tanto o Root ZX mini quanto o i Root foram afetados por diferentes condições do canal. As medidas mais precisa foram observadas na presença de soro fisiológico e SmearOFF. (AU)

Influence of the Maxillary Sinus on the Accuracy of the Root ZX Apex Locator: An Ex Vivo Study.

This study evaluated the accuracy of the Root ZX (J. Morita, Tokyo, Japan) electronic apex locator in determining the working length when palatal maxillary molar roots are in a relationship with the sinus. Seventeen human maxillary molars with vital pulp were scheduled for an extraction and implant placement as part of a periodontal treatment plan. The access cavity was prepared, and a #10 K file (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland) was inserted into the palatal root using the Root ZX apex locator in order to determine the electronic working length (EWL); then, the teeth were extracted. To determine the real working length (RWL), a #10 K file was introduced into the root canal until its tip touched a glass plate. EWL and RWL were compared. Images reconstructed with CBCT (cone beam computerized tomography) revealed that eight palatal roots were related to the maxillary sinus, whereas nine were not. The results showed a significant difference between the EWL and the RWL of the palatal roots related to the sinus (p < 0.001). No significant difference was observed in measurements of roots not in contact with the sinus (p > 0.05). Within the study limitations, the reliability of Root ZX was influenced by the relationship of the roots with the maxillary sinus.

A Micro-computed Tomographic Evaluation of the Accuracy of 3 Electronic Apex Locators in Curved Canals of Mandibular Molars.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the accuracy of 3 electronic apex locators (EALs) (CanalPro [Coltene-Endo, Cuyahoga Falls, OH], Apex ID [SybronEndo, Glendora, CA], and Root ZX Mini [J Morita, Tokyo, Japan]) in curved mesial canals of extracted mandibular molars using micro-computed tomographic (micro-CT) scanning. METHODS: The root canal length and the actual working length of 58 canals were measured using the visual method and 3-dimensional micro-CT reconstructions. The measurements of the EALs at marks "APEX/0.0" and "0.5 mark" were recorded as the electronic root canal length and the electronic working length, respectively. The absolute mean values and the percentages of distribution of the electronic measurements were compared with the actual lengths of the canals. The presence of isthmuses, accessory canals, foramen position, and the distance between the apical constriction and the apical foramen were recorded from the micro-CT scans, and their correlation to the accuracy of the EALs was determined. RESULTS: All electronic measurements showed high agreement with their respective gold standard, except the electronic root canal length of the Apex ID (P < .05). No difference in the percentage of precise measurements (within the ±0.5 mm) was found among the devices (χ2 and z tests, P > .05). Of the anatomic parameters evaluated, the presence of a lateral foramen negatively affected the 0.0 mark of the Apex ID (Wilcoxon test, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: The Root ZX Mini and CanalPro were precise for both root canal length and working length determination in mesial curved canals of mandibular molars, whereas the Apex ID was accurate for the working length when using the 0.5 mark.