Accuracy of electronic apex locators in comparison to actual length--an in vivo study

OBJECTIVES: The measurement precision of four electronic apex locators (Root ZX, Morita, Tokyo, Japan; Endy, Loser, Leverkusen, Germany; Justy II, Hager-Werken, Duisburg, Germany; Endox Lysis, Milan, Italy) was examined in the present in vivo study. METHODS: The root canal length of 40 single-rooted and multi-rooted teeth was determined with the four devices prior to tooth extraction. To determine the actual root canal length, the apical third was longitudinally sectioned, the root canal instrument was positioned and the apex was examined using a microscope. RESULTS: The average measurement deviation (+/-SD) in relation to the apical constriction was 0.3 mm (+/-0.6) for the Root ZX, 0.7 mm (+/-1.0) for the Endy, 0.2 mm (+/-0.7) for the Justy II and 1.3 mm (+/-1.7) for the Endox. The limit of +/-0.5 mm from the apical constriction was attained by the Root ZX in 78%, by the Endy in 67%, by the Justy II in 80% and by Endox in 31% of all measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The latest generation of apex locaters provide the clinician with an accurate and useful adjunct for the determination of root canal length.     

Ex vivo comparison of two electronic apex locators with different scales and frequencies

AIM: To compare ex vivo the accuracy of two impedance quotient apex locators with different scales and frequencies of the measuring circuit. METHODOLOGY: In each root of 193 extracted human teeth, electronic working length determination (ELD) was carried out with a newly constructed measuring unit. In all cases, ELD was performed using the apex locators Justy II (Hager & Werken, Duisburg, Germany) and Raypex (VDW, Munich, Germany) on the scale points (sp) 0/0.5/1 of each device. A Miller Needle reaching working length was fixed with composite. The corresponding sp and the differences to the other sp were recorded. After histological preparation of the apical region, the teeth were examined under a light microscope. The distances of the Miller Needle tips to the target intervals 'minor foramen-major foramen' and 'apical canal constriction' (apical constriction) were determined for each sp for both devices. The data were statistically analysed by a chi-square test. RESULTS: Precise determination of the target interval 'minor foramen-major foramen' was successful with Raypex 4 in 94.8% (sp 1), 90.7% (sp 0.5) and 72.5% (sp 0) of cases and with Justy II in 59.6% (sp 1), 92.2% (sp 0.5) and 68% (sp 0) of cases. No measurement carried out by Raypex 4 and by Justy II on sp 1 was beyond the major apical foramen. However, on sp 0.5, there were eight measurements for Raypex 4 and four measurements for Justy II beyond the major apical foramen. Overinstrumentation was also recorded for sp 0 in 49 specimens (Raypex 4) and 59 specimens (JustyII). The major apical constriction was met exactly by Raypex 4 in 50.7% (sp 1), 14% (sp 0.5) and 5.2% (sp 0) of cases and by Justy II in 32.1% (sp 1), 23.8% (sp 0.5) and 4.1% (sp 0) of cases. The differences between the determination made with the sp suggested by the manufacturers for Raypex 4 (sp 1) and Justy II (sp 0.5) were not significant (P > 0.05) for the target interval 'minor foramen-major foramen' and significant (P 相似文献   

Ex vivo evaluation of the accuracy of two electronic apex locators during root canal length determination in primary teeth

Aim To evaluate ex vivo the accuracy of two electronic apex locators during root canal length determination in primary incisor and molar teeth with different stages of physiological root resorption. Methodology One calibrated examiner determined the root canal length in 17 primary incisors and 16 primary molars (total of 57 root canals) with different stages of root resorption based on the actual canal length and using two electronic apex locators. Root canal length was measured both visually, with the placement of a K‐file 1 mm short of the apical foramen or the apical resorption bevel, and electronically using two electronic apex locators (Root ZX II – J. Morita Corp. and Mini Apex Locator – SybronEndo) according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Data were analysed statistically using the intraclass correlation (ICC) test. Results Comparison of the actual root canal length and the electronic root canal length measurements revealed high correlation (ICC = 0.99), regardless of the tooth type (single‐rooted and multi‐rooted teeth) or the presence/absence of physiological root resorption. Conclusions Root ZX II and Mini Apex Locator proved useful and accurate for apex foramen location during root canal length measurement in primary incisors and molars.     

Determination of working length for teeth with wide or immature apices: a review

Practitioners face several challenges during the root canal treatment of teeth with wide or immature apices, one of which is working length determination. There is relatively little data regarding the value of radiography and electronic apex locator (EAL) use when root formation is incomplete, and supplementary measurement techniques may be helpful. This review considers length determination for canals with wide or completely open apices in permanent and primary teeth. The Ovid Medline, Web of Science and Scopus databases were searched individually and in combinations to August 2012 using the subject headings ‘working length determination’ and ‘open apex’ and revealed only one article. Further headings, ‘tooth apex’, ‘apical constriction’, ‘resorption’, ‘foramen size’, ‘mature root apex’, ‘immature root apex’, ‘working length determination’, ‘apexification’, ‘open apices’, ‘open apex’, ‘open apical foramina’, ‘canal length determination’, ‘immature teeth’, ‘apical diameters’, ‘electronic apex locators’, ‘primary teeth’, ‘treatment outcome’ and ‘clinical outcome’ were entered. Potentially useful articles were chosen for a manual search of bibliography as well as a forward search of citations. Other investigations revealed case reports and some research related to open apices and laboratory studies evaluating EALs, radiography and tactile methods. Some involved permanent teeth of various apical diameters and primary teeth with and without resorption. There is a need to define the term ‘open apex’. Clinicians should be aware of the benefits and limitations of all canal measuring techniques involved in managing this problem.     

Accuracy and Reliability of Working Length Determination by Gold Reciproc Motor in Reciprocating Movement

Introduction

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy and reliability of the apex locator function of the Gold Reciproc Motor (VDW GmbH, Munich, Germany) during reciprocating movement.

Methods

Forty extracted incisors with mature apices were included in the study. The canal length was determined by introducing #10 file into the canal until it emerged at the apical foramen. The incisal edge of each tooth was adjusted to obtain 18 mm standard length and to produce a flat reference point. The teeth were embedded in Plexiglas tubes filled with alginate and measured by Root ZX (J. Morita Corp, Tokyo, Japan) and Bingo 1020 (Forum Engineering Technologies, Rishon Lezion, Israel) apex locators. The root canals were instrumented in a reciprocating mode using an R25 Reciproc file in the Gold Reciproc Motor until the green LEDs and orange LED were reached. According to the manufacturer, these LEDs represent the zone between the apical constriction and the apical foramen.

Results

No statistically significant differences were found between the length measurements of the 2 electronic apex locators and the third green LED, which is suggested by the manufacturers as the recommended working length.

Conclusions

With the limitation of this ex vivo study, the Gold Reciproc Motor's integrated electronic apex locator was found to be as reliable and accurate as the Root ZX and Bingo 1020 apex locators in terms of length control during root canal preparation in the reciprocation mode.     

Electronic length measurement using small and large files in enlarged canals

Electronic apex locators are frequently used attached to a small size endodontic file; however, the effect on the measurement of the relative diameters of the file and the root canal has not been clarified. In this study, the length of enlarged canals was measured using small size files and files matching the canal diameter to observe a possible discrepancy. The accuracy of electronic length control during canal preparation with rotary files was also assessed. The root canals in 21 extracted, single rooted teeth were accessed, and their actual length (AL) established by passing a size 10 file just through the minor apical foramen. The teeth were then embedded in an alginate mold. The initial canal length (IL) was measured with the Root ZX apex locator by negotiating a size 10 file to the apical constriction. The canal was enlarged to size 60 with rotary files while the length was continuously controlled with the apex locator. Then, the final length measurements were obtained with a size 10 file and a size 60 file (FL-10 and FL-60, respectively). The average values of IL, FL-10 and FL-60 were calculated and compared using Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance followed by Tukey's Studentized Range test (P < 0.05). Using composite resin, the size 60 files were secured at the FL-60 length, the teeth were removed from the alginate mold, stained with Picroformal DI Buoin stain and the position of the file tip was observed histomorphometrically after the apical 4 mm of the canal was exposed by grinding the buccal aspect of the root. The IL was 0.45 mm shorter than AL (P < 0.05). The differences between FL-10, FL-60 and IL were not statistically significant. Histomorphometrically, the apical constriction was absent in all the teeth, but the file tips were confined within the root. This study concluded that the Root ZX indicated the location of an apical constriction even when the anatomic constriction was eliminated. In the enlarged canals, length measurements obtained with small and large size files were comparable.     

Root ZX根尖电测仪测定根管长度的准确性评价

目的：评价Root ZX根尖电测仪测定根管长度的准确性。方法：49颗(70个根管)根尖发育完全、因正畸需拔除的牙齿在局麻下，开髓、拔髓。Root ZX根尖电测仪测定根管长度，拔除后测定根管实长，比较二者的差异。分别以0．5mm、1．0mm、1．5mm误差评定测量结果的准确性。结果：体内测量平均根管长度为20．81mm，体外测量根管实际长度为21．21mm。84．29％(59／70)测量值位于根管内，8．57％(6／70)恰好位于根尖孔，7．14％(5／70)超出根尖孔。以0．5mm为标准，准确率为64．29％，以1．0mm为标准，准确率为81．43％。若以1．5mm以内为可接受范围，则准确率为90％。结论：Root ZX根尖电测仪能较准确测定根管工作长度，提高根管治疗的质量和工作效率。但仍需和X线照片结合指导临床工作。     

Ex vivo accuracy of three electronic apex locators using different apical file sizes

This study evaluated the accuracy of three electronic apex locators (Root ZX, Novapex, and Justy II) in root canal length determinations using different apical file sizes, considering the apical constriction (AC) and the major foramen (MF) as anatomic references. The diameter of the apical foramina of 40 single-rooted teeth was determined by direct visual measurement and the master apical file was established. Electronic measurements were then performed using 3 instruments: the selected master apical file (adjusted file), one size smaller (intermediate file), and two sizes smaller (misfit file). The distances from the tip of files fixed in the canals to the MF and to the AC were measured digitally. Precision at AC and at MF for the misfit, intermediate and adjusted apical files was as follows: 80%/88%/83% and 78%/83%/95% (Root ZX); 80%/85%/80% and 68%/73%/73% (Novapex); and 78%/80%/78% and 65%/78%/70% (Justy II). Considering the mean discrepancies, statistically significant differences were found only for the adjusted file at MF, with Root ZX presenting the best results at MF. The chi-square test showed significant differences between the acceptable measurements at AC and at MF for the Justy II and Novapex (± 0.5 mm) regardless of file adjustment. Under the conditions of the present study, all devices provided acceptable electronic measurements regardless of file adjustment, except for Root ZX which had its performance improved significantly when the precisely fit apical file was used. Justy II and Novapex provided electronic measurements nearest to the AC.     

应用根尖电测仪测定根管长度准确性评定

目的：评定JUSTY－Ⅱ型全自动根尖电测仪在根管工作长度测定中的准确性。方法：选择80例病牙,120个根管,采用全自动根尖电测仪对根管工作长度进行测定,并与插针X线摄片法进行对比。结果;根尖电测仪测定根管工作长度的准确率为89．17％,插针X线摄片法测定根管工作长度的准确率为34．17％,二组有显著性差异（P＜0．01）。结论：应用全自动根尖电测仪测定根管工作长度具有准确性高,减少患者X线损害,缩短临床椅位工作时间和提高根管治疗质量的优点。     

根尖狭窄破坏对Propex Ⅱ电子根尖定位仪准确性的影响

目的:研究在根尖狭窄破坏的情况下,PropexⅡ测量准确性与根尖孔大小的相关性.方法:磨除40颗单直根管离体牙根尖l mm,采用2％液态琼脂凝胶注入卡斯特罗模型,使用PropexⅡ电子根尖定位仪进行根管长度测量,记录测量值(LP),计算实际测量的根管工作长度(L)与电测法测量的根管工作长度(LP)的差值(△L).显微镜下拍摄根尖孔图像,利用Photoshop CS 6.0软件测量根尖孔面积(S).采用SPSS 22.0软件包对测量结果进行直线相关回归分析.结果:以±0.5 mm作为△L的允许范围,△L均为正值.在根尖狭窄破坏的情况下,PropexⅡ的测量准确率为52.5％.R值为0.903,S与△L呈线性相关.建立的线性回归方程为:S=0.04+0.11×△L.结论:在根尖狭窄破坏的情况下,电子根尖定位仪准确性下降;根尖孔面积越大,准确性越差.     

3种根尖定位仪在口腔急诊应用的临床评价

目的评估口腔急诊需要进行根管治疗的各型急性牙髓炎、急性根尖周炎及牙外伤露髓的患牙,应用3种根尖定位仪测量根管工作长度的准确性。方法对口腔急诊就诊的需要进行根管治疗的284名患者,共317颗患牙随机分为3组,分别采用JustyII、Raypex5和PropexⅡ根尖定位仪进行根管工作长度测量,根据测量值进行根管预备和根管充填,并通过根充后x线根尖片的恰填率进行对比,评价3种根尖定位仪的准确性。结果口腔急诊条件下,3种根尖定位仪准确性有所不同,前牙和前磨牙测量结果3种都较理想;磨牙测量时Raypex5和PropexⅡ更为准确（P〈0．01）。各种急性牙髓炎和急性根尖周炎的比较中,PropexII测量的准确性（分别为94．87％和90．91％）均高于另2种根尖定位仪,受口腔急症患牙干扰因素影响最小。结论PropexⅡ根尖定位仪准确性高,稳定性好,较JustyⅡ和Raypex5更适合在口腔急诊条件下应用。     

Raypex 5根尖定位仪临床应用的准确性观察分析

目的：观察Raypex 5在临床应用中测量根管工作长度的准确性及影响因素。方法：共收集342例患者的903个根管,随机分为实验组和对照组。实验组458个根管采用Raypex 5测量根管工作长度。对照组445个根管,按手感法测量根管工作长度,拍摄X线片,分析比较,研究其准确性及影响因素。结果：在X线片上恰填范围内,实验组准确率达94.32%,对照组75.06%。电测法与手感法的准确率比较有显著性差异（P〈0.01）。牙髓活力,根尖骨质破坏状况,龋洞类型,牙位,牙齿形态,根管数目对Raypex 5测量根管工作长度的准确性无明显影响。结论：根尖定位仪Raypex 5能较为准确地测量根管工作长度,准确率比手感法高,值得临床推广使用。     

Determining the apical terminus of root-end resected teeth using three modern apex locators: a comparative ex vivo study

AIM: To assess ex vivo the accuracy of various electronic apex locators in locating the apical terminus of root-end resected teeth. METHODOLOGY: Ninety extracted human posterior teeth (182 root canals) were prepared to a minimum size of 40 and filled with gutta-percha and sealer. After resection of the apical 3 mm of the root, the root canal filling was removed using HERO rotary instruments. The size of the root canal at the apical terminus after removal of the filling ranged from size 50 to 90. The root canal length to the apical terminus was determined using 3 apex locators (Root ZX, Raypex4 and Apex Pointer). A new mounting model that utilized a micrometer was used to perform the measurements and to visually determine the actual position of the apical terminus. The frequency of locating the apical terminus and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Additionally, the coefficient of repeatability of each apex locator and the limits of inter-operator agreement were determined. RESULTS: All apex locators showed an acceptable repeatability (0.02-0.03 mm coefficient of repeatability) and narrow limits of inter-operator agreement (+0.07 and -0.07 mm). The accuracy of determining the apical terminus within 1 mm in the root canal was as follows: Root ZX 90% (164/182 root-canals) [95%CI: 86-94%], Raypex4 74% (135/182 root-canals) [95%CI: 68-80%], and Apex Pointer 71% (129/182 root canals) [95%CI: 65-77%]. No over-instrumentation resulted when the Root ZX device was used. In contrast, using the Raypex4 or the Apex Pointer device resulted in over-instrumentation in 8 of 182 root canals (4%). CONCLUSIONS: Under the conditions of this study all three apex locators were able to detect the apical terminus of root-end resected teeth with an acceptable range. The Root ZX device was the most accurate without over-instrumentation of the root canals.     

Use of an electronic apex locator in the treatment of teeth with incomplete root formation

An electronic apex locator was used to determine length and control apical bridge formation in the treatment of teeth with incomplete root formation. Measurements were taken in 10 teeth in which apexification therapy had just started and in 11 teeth where the formation of the apical barrier was considered to be complete. In the beginning of the apexification therapy, when the apical foramen was still open, endometric measurements gave incorrect results in all instances. After apical closure had occurred and definite obturation of the root canal seemed possible, the apex locator in all teeth gave correct results and complete agreement was obtained between the radiographs and the electronic tests. Even in teeth in which complete apical closure could not be obtained, the results of electronic measurements were correct. Electronic apex locators may be used as auxilliary devices in controlling apical hard tissue closure in the treatment of teeth with incomplete root formation.     

Use of an electronic apex locator in the treatment of teeth with incomplete root formation

Abstract An electronic apex locator was used to determine length and control apical bridge formation in the treatment of teeth with incomplete root formation. Measurements were taken in 10 teeth in which apexification therapy had just started and in 11 teeth where the formation of the apical barrier was considered to be complete. In the beginning of the apexification therapy, when the apical foramen was still open, endometric measurements gave incorrect results in all instances. After apical closure had occurred and definite obturation of the root canal seemed possible, the apex locator in all teeth gave correct results and complete agreement was obtained between the radiographs and the electronic tests. Even in teeth in which complete apical closure could not be obtained, the results of electronic measurements were correct. Electronic apex locators may be used as auxilliary devices in controlling apical hard tissue closure in the treatment of teeth with incomplete root formation.     

EVALUATION OF THE APICAL INFILTRATION AFTER ROOT CANAL DISRUPTION AND OBTURATION

The aim of this study was to evaluate two root canal filling techniques used in teeth that had their apical foramen disrupted and compare the apical infiltration with an ideal clinical situation. Twenty-seven freshly extracted single-rooted teeth were selected and radiographed to confirm the existence of a single and straight root canal. The crowns were removed at a mean distance of 11 mm from the apex. The teeth had the root canals instrumented and were randomly assigned to 3 groups (n=9): ND group - root canals were filled using the lateral compaction technique and no disruption was performed; DRF group - the apical constriction was disrupted by advancing a #40 K-file 1 mm beyond the original working length, the canals were reinstrumented to create an apical ledge at 1 mm from the apical foramen and were obturated with a master gutta-percha cone with same size as the last file used for reinstrumentation; DF group - the teeth had the apical constriction disrupted and the canals were obturated with a master gutta-percha cone that fit at 1 mm from the apex. The teeth were submitted to dye leakage test with Rhodamine B for 7 days, using vaccum on the initial 5 min. The teeth were sectioned longitudinally and the leakage was measured in a linear fashion from apex to crown. There was no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) between the groups that had the apical foramen disrupted (DF, DRF), but significant difference was found between the disrupted groups and the non-disrupted one (p<0.01). In conclusion, none of the evaluated techniques was able to prevent apical infiltration, so working length so the working length determination has to be established and maintained carefully.     

Influence of the canal contents on the electrical assisted determination of the length of root canals

The purpose of this study was to compare the influence of the root canal status on the determination of the root canal length by an electronic apex locator in vital and necrotic canals and canals with root canal filling retrieval. One hundred seven teeth with a total of 171 canals with various contents (105 vital pulp, 47 necrotic pulp, and 19 retrieval of root canal filling materials) were measured for root canal length in vivo with the AFA Apex Finder. The distance between the file tip and the radiographic apex was also determined on radiographs. In 86% of the evaluated roots, the file tip position as indicated by the Apex Finder was located within 0.5 mm of a point 1.0-mm short of the radiographic apex. The Apex Finder showed higher accuracy for determining the apical constriction in vital canals (93.9%) than in necrotic canals (76.6%), and this difference was statistically significant (p < or = 0.05). The Apex Finder indicated the point -1 mm +/- 0.5 mm in canals with retrieval of root canal filling materials in 68.4% of these cases, but because of the small number of retrieval cases, this is not comparable statistically with vital and necrotic cases. The authors concluded that the AFA Apex Finder is highly accurate in vital canals.     

Effect of preflaring on Root ZX apex locators

The Root ZX apex locator is an example of a generation of apex locators that identify the terminus of the canal by measuring a ratio between two electrical impedances. Studies have shown this device to have a high degree of accuracy. However, the manufacturer warns that the performance of these devices is limited by the presence of calcifications and dentinal shaving obstructions. An in vitro study was designed to determine if preflaring of canals would facilitate the passage of files to the apical foramen by eliminating cervical interferences and to see what effect this would have on the performance of the Root ZX apex locator. Thirty-two canals were divided into two groups. Group 1 was not manipulated before use of the Root ZX apex locator and served as control. In group 2, the canals were preflared before the use of the Root Zx apex locator. The working length files were secured in place and measured with the linear measurement tool used by the Visilog 5 imaging program. Results of this study suggest that preflaring of canals will allow working length files to more consistently reach the apical foramen (p = 0.015), which in turn increases the efficacy of the Root ZX apex locator.     

根尖定位仪在不同指示点测量特点的体外研究

目的研究2种多频根尖定位仪在不同指示点的测量特点。方法截除75颗单根管前磨牙牙冠,GG钻扩大根管冠、中1／3。计算ProPexⅡ和JustyII在显示0和0．5指示点时,定位锉尖与解剖根尖孔间的距离。结果采用Mann-WhitneyU检验分析。结果指示点为0时,ProPexⅡ和JustyⅡ测量值间差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）,中间值分别为0．39mm和0．37mm。指示点为0．5时,ProPexⅡ和JustyⅡ测量差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）,测量中间值分别为0．56mm和0．69mm。同一定位仪在不同参考点下测量值间差异有统计学意义（P〈0．01）。结论本研究条件下,指示点由0变化到0．5时,2种根尖定位仪定位锉尖均逐渐远离解剖根尖孔。指示点0时2种根尖定位仪定位效果相似。指示点0．5时,ProPexⅡ比JustyII定位更接近解剖根尖孔。     

In vitro evaluation of the ability of three apex locators to determine the working length during retreatment

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the accuracy of three apex locators in determining the working length during the retreatment process. Twenty extracted single-rooted human teeth with mature apices were used in this study. The root canal length of each tooth was measured placing a #15 file until the tip was visible at the apical foramen. The direct visual measurement was reduced by 0.5 mm and recorded. The root canals were instrumented and filled to the direct visual measurement using lateral compaction technique. After 7 days the teeth were retreated using three apex locators: ProPex, NovApex, and Root ZX, for determining the retreatment working length. Afterward, comparison between the visual working length and the retreatment working length were made. ProPex, NovApex, and Root ZX were accurate within 0.5 mm 80, 85, and 95% of the time, and within 1 mm 95, 95, and 100%, respectively. No significant differences were detected between the three apex locators (p > 0.05).