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.     

An in vitro comparison of two modern apex locators

Two apex locators were compared regarding their ability to accurately locate the apical constriction in the presence of various canal fluids at different meter readings. Forty-one root canals were filled with 1% NaOCl, 3% H2O2, and 0.9% NaCl, respectively. Electronic working length (EWL) measurements were recorded with the apex locators Root ZX (meter readings: "Apex", "0.5", and "1") and Apit (meter readings: "Apex" and "3"). The deviation of the EWL from the apical constriction was determined. The proportion of measurements within +/- 0.5 mm of the apical constriction ranged between 0.76 and 0.85 for Root ZX at the meter readings "Apex" and "0.5," regardless of the canal contents. Apit consistently displayed shorter measurement values than Root ZX and reached the highest proportions at the meter reading "Apex": 0.59 (1% NaOCl), 0.61 (3% H2O2), and 0.68 (0.9% NaCl). In the presence of NaOCl, Root ZX provides the more accurate EWL measurements at the meter reading "0.5" and "Apex."     

2种根尖定位仪诊断牙根纵裂的实验研究

目的研究Root ZX和Raypex5根尖定位仪是否能诊断牙根纵裂的存在及其准确位置。方法将20颗离体的双根管单根前磨牙拔髓并扩挫至根尖孔,测量原始根管的实际长度。锤击放置在根管内的根充扩大器柄部使牙根形成纵裂,测量纵裂根管的实际长度,并用Root ZX和Raypex5根尖定位仪测量仅有纵裂线而未完全分裂的纵裂牙根管长度和完全分裂的纵裂牙根管长度,对2种根尖定位仪的根管电测值与实际根管长度进行比较。结果模拟的牙根纵裂均为颊舌向裂,而且裂隙均通过根尖孔。对于仅有纵裂线而未完全分裂的纵裂牙根,Root ZX和Raypex5不能探测到纵裂位置;对于完全分裂的纵裂牙根,Root ZX和Raypex5都能探测到纵裂位置,电测长度在纵裂根管实际长度±1.0 mm范围内分别为97.5%、100%。结论根尖定位仪对仅有纵裂线的牙根纵裂无诊断价值,但对完全纵裂的牙根却有较高的诊断准确性。     

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).     

3种根尖定位仪不同条件下定位根管侧穿孔准确性的体外研究

目的 比较Propex、Raypex(R)5、Root ZX根尖定位仪在不同根管冲洗液中定位根管侧穿孔位置的准确性.方法 选取19颗新鲜拔除的前磨牙,采用ET40超声工作尖破坏根管中下部根管壁,制备根管侧穿孔.使用Propex、Raypex(R)5、Root ZX根尖定位仪定位穿孔位置,比较3种根尖定位仪在不同根管冲洗...     

Effect of chloroform,orange solvent and eucalyptol on the accuracy of four electronic apex locators

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three retreatment solutions on the accuracy of four electronic apex locators, the Root ZX mini, the Mini Apex Locator, the Root ZX and the Elements Diagnostic Unit and Apex Locator. Forty extracted single‐rooted human teeth were used in this study. The four electronic apex locators were operated according to the manufacturer's instructions to locate the ‘apical constriction’ in the presence of chloroform, orange solvent or eucalyptol in the canal. The accuracy of each apex locator was not affected by the type of retreatment solution present in the root canal. In addition, the accuracy of the four apex locators was similar in the presence of each of the tested solutions.     

A comparison between two electronic apex locators: an ex vivo investigation

AIM: To compare ex vivo the performance of the Apex Finder and the Root ZX apex locators, with and without irrigant, in canals having different diameters. METHODOLOGY: Sixty canals in 60 teeth were prepared using stainless steel hand files and 0.04 taper NiTi rotary instruments. During preparation the narrowest diameter of the canal was transported to the apical root surface. The canals were irrigated with RC-Prep and 5% NaOCl solution. Six groups were obtained, each with 10 canals having the same diameter of foramen, either 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, 0.40, 0.60 and 0.80 mm. A size 15 K-file was advanced into each canal until its tip was observed under x10 magnification to reach the foramen and the corresponding length recorded. The measurements were performed to an accuracy of 0.25 mm as a base unit of length. The teeth were then fixed to a plastic bar suspended over a glass container filled with 0.9% NaCl solution. Each apex locator was tested when the K-file was at the foramen, or 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 mm short; with the root apex immersed into the solution; with the canal dry or irrigated with NaCl. To evaluate the accuracy of both electronic apex locators (EALs) each electronically determined distance was compared with the actual length and the data analysed using the General Linear Model and the Student t-test. RESULTS: Out of 2400 measurements 100 were electrically unstable, all with the Root ZX. In total, 521 measurements located the position of the file tip beyond the apex, in general, in high conductive conditions with the Root ZX and in low conductive conditions with the Apex Finder. No significant difference in terms of accuracy was found between the two EALs when the file tip was at the foramen (Root ZX mean +0.12 mm, SD 1.22 mm; Apex Finder mean +0.57 mm, SD 1.16 mm). Comparing all the measurements performed with the file tip within 2 mm of the foramen, in all the different conditions tested, the accuracy was affected (P<0.025) by diameter of the foramen, type of EAL, distance to the apex, and by several interactions. CONCLUSIONS: Under the different ex vivo conditions both EALs provided accurate measurements when the file tip was at the foramen. The accuracy of the Apex Finder was negatively influenced by high conductive conditions, whilst the Root ZX provided inaccurate and unstable measurements mostly in low conductive conditions.     

Consistency of Apex Locator Function: A Clinical Study

The consistency of apex locators was determined by calculating the dysfunction frequency. Electronic working length (EWL) was determined in 507 patients requiring endodontic treatment. Different clinical parameters were recorded including tooth vitality, presence of obliteration, and metallic restoration. Two apex locators were used (Root ZX [Morita, Tokyo, Japan] and Raypex5 [VDW, Munich, Germany]). Apex locator performance was considered “consistent” when the scale bars were stable and moved only in correspondence to the movement of file in the root canal. A working length radiograph with files set to the EWL was performed. EWL were considered “acceptable” when the file tip was located 0 to 2 mm short of the radiographic apex. The function of apex locators was consistent in 85% of the patients (429/507 [99% confidence interval, 80-88]). The inconsistent measurements were strongly associated with partially or totally obliterated root canals (p < 0.0001). Radiographically, 97% of consistent measurements were “acceptable.”     

In vivo comparison of working length determination with two electronic apex locators

AIM: To compare the accuracy of two electronic apex locators (EALs) in the same teeth in vivo. METHODOLOGY: The working lengths in 20 teeth with a single canal were determined with two different EALs (Root ZX; J. Morita Corporation, Tokyo, Japan and Raypex 5 VDW, Munich, Germany) before extraction. When the first EAL was used the files were advanced until the display indicated the 'apical constriction'. The files were then fixed in removable and replaceable light curing composite patterns. The procedure was repeated in the same tooth with the second EAL and a different file. The teeth were then extracted and the apical 4 mm of the root canals were exposed. After that the apical parts with the repositioned files in the canals were digitally photographed under a light microscope. On the images the minor diameter and the major foramen of each sample were marked and the respective distances of the file tips from these positions were measured with a computer program. Subsequently the values of the two groups of EALs were compared using a paired sample t-test. RESULTS: The minor foramen was located within the limits of +/-0.5 mm in 75% of the cases with the Root ZX and in 80% of the cases with Raypex 5. The paired sample t-test showed no significant difference between the EALs regarding determination of the minor foramen. CONCLUSION: The use of EALs is a reliable method for determining working length. The differences between the two EALs were not statistically significant.     

An in vivo comparison of two frequency-based electronic apex locators

The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of a two-frequency (Root ZX) and a five-frequency (Endo Analyzer Model 8005) electronic apex locator under clinical conditions. Thirty-two teeth planned for extraction were used. The coronal portion of each canal was flared using Gates Glidden drills and Orifice Shapers. The canals were irrigated with 2.6% sodium hypochlorite. A K-type file was used to determine a separate working length in each canal using the electronic apex locators. The teeth were extracted and the apical 4 mm of each root canal was exposed along the long axis of the tooth. Photographic slides of each canal were projected and the file position in relation to the minor diameter was determined by two investigators. The mean distance between the electronic apex locator working length and minor diameter was 1.03 mm for the Endo Analyzer and 0.19 mm for the Root ZX. A paired sample t test showed that the Endo Analyzer had significantly longer readings beyond the minor diameter than the Root ZX (p < 0.0001). The ability to locate the minor diameter (+/- 0.5 mm) was 90.7% for the Root ZX and 34.4% for the Endo Analyzer Model 8005.     

Comparison of working length determination with radiographs and two electronic apex locators

Aim  To evaluate the accuracy of the Root ZX and Elements-Diagnostic electronic apex locators when compared with radiographs for locating the canal terminus or minor foramen.
Methodology  The canal terminus of 482 canals in 160 maxillary and mandibular teeth was located in vivo with both locators and radiographically. After extraction, the actual location of the minor foramen was determined visually and with magnification. A paired samples t -test, chi-square test and a repeated measure anova at the 0.05 level of significance were used to determine differences between the groups.
Results  The Root ZX located the minor foramen correctly 68% of the time in anterior and premolar teeth, and 58% of the time in molar teeth. The Elements-Diagnostic located the minor foramen correctly 58% of the time in anterior and premolar teeth and 49% of the time in molar teeth. Radiographs located the minor foramen correctly 20% of the time in anterior and premolar teeth and 11% of the time in molar teeth. There was no statistically significant difference between the two locators, but there was a significant difference between them and radiographs. For all teeth, the measurements made by the apex locators were within ±0.5 mm of the minor foramen 100% of the time, whereas for the radiographs, the measurements were within this range only 15% of the time. This difference was significant ( P  = 0.05).
Conclusion  Measuring the location of the minor foramen using the two apex locators was more accurate than radiographs and would reduce the risk of instrumenting and filling beyond the apical foramen.     

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。     

An ex vivo evaluation of a new root canal irrigation technique with intracanal aspiration

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of a new root canal irrigation technique with intracanal aspiration in removing the smear layer and to assess irrigant extrusion ex vivo. METHODOLOGY: Thirty-five instrumented canals of extracted human canine teeth that had been resected apically by removing 3 mm of the root tip were divided into one control and four experimental groups of seven teeth each. The roots were fixed in a plastic case and surrounded with normal saline agar coloured with 1% acid red. No irrigation was performed in the control teeth. Each root canal in the experimental groups was irrigated with 9 mL of 14% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid for 3 min, and then with 6 mL of 6% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) for 2 min. In the intracanal aspiration technique, the irrigant was delivered from the tip of an injection needle placed 12 mm from the apical root-end and an aspiration needle that was connected to a Root ZX apex locator placed 2 and 3 mm short of the apical root-end in groups 1 and 2, respectively. In the conventional method, the tip of an injection needle used for delivery of the irrigant and as an active electrode was placed 2 and 3 mm short of the apical root-end in groups 3 and 4, respectively, the tip of the aspiration needle was placed 12 mm from the apical root-end in these groups. The readings of the Root ZX during irrigation were recorded. The cleanliness of the canal was evaluated by scoring smear layer from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the canal. Extrusion of NaOCl was detected by measuring the discoloured area of the agar around the apical root-end. The data obtained were statistically analysed by one-way anova, the Kruskal-Wallis test and Friedman's test. RESULTS: In the SEM study, the canals in groups 1-3 were significantly cleaner than those in the control and group 4 (P < 0.05). The mean Root ZX readings in groups 1-3 were approximately "0.5". The discoloured area in group 3 was significantly larger than the other groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Irrigation using the intracanal aspiration technique allowed more effective removal of the smear layer than that performed by the conventional method in an apically resected canine tooth. The intracanal aspiration technique produced limited extrusion of the irrigant beyond the apical foramen.     

Accuracy of two electronic apex locators in primary teeth with and without apical resorption: a laboratory study

Aim To evaluate the accuracy of the Root ZX (J Morita Corp., Kyoto, Japan) and Tri Auto ZX (J Morita Corp.) devices for measuring root canal length in primary teeth with and without apical resorption. Methodology Thirty‐four extracted human primary molar teeth with resorption and 19 primary teeth without resorption were collected. After endodontic access preparation, the actual lengths of the teeth were determined. The teeth were then embedded in an alginate model to determine the electronic working length measurement. Statistical evaluation was completed using Student’s t‐tests. Results For the Root ZX, there was no significant difference between those teeth with root resorption and those without. However, for the Tri Auto ZX, there was a significant difference in the electronic measurements between those teeth with root resorption and those without (P < 0.05). Significant differences were found amongst the measurements of the two apex locators (P < 0.05). For root canals with resorption, the respective accuracy rates (within ±0.5 mm) of Root ZX and Tri Auto ZX were 83.33% and 89.47%; within ±1 mm, the Root ZX and Tri Auto ZX demonstrated 98.95% and 100% accuracy, respectively. For root canals with no resorption, the percentage of measurements within ±0.5 mm of the apical construction was 89.28% for the Root ZX and 80.35% for the Tri Auto ZX. The accuracy within ±1 mm of the Root ZX and the Tri Auto ZX was 98.22% and 100%, respectively. Conclusion Within the limitations of this laboratory study, the presence of resorption affected the performance of the Tri Auto ZX more than the Root ZX.     

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.     

2种根尖定位仪诊断牙根纵裂的临床研究

目的研究RootZX和ProPex根尖定位仪用于诊断牙根纵裂的可靠性与准确性。方法分别用RootZX和ProPex根尖定位仪测量临床上疑为牙根纵裂患牙的根管工作长度,按照测量长度插入诊断丝,拍摄X线片。正常根管中诊断丝止于距根尖孔0．5～1．0mm范围内,诊断丝终止位置距根尖孔长度为牙根长度1／3及以上者初步诊断为牙根纵裂。拔除患牙后测量根管实际长度与纵裂根管长度,与电测长度进行比较。结果临床疑似牙根纵裂患牙48颗,经根尖定位仪联合X线检查初步诊断牙根纵裂48颗,拔牙后确诊牙根纵裂42颗,确诊率为87．5％。42颗牙根纵裂患牙中,RootZX电测长度平均值为（8．78±0．87）mm;ProPex电测平均值为（8．73±0．85）mm;根管实际长度平均值为（19．26±0．82）mm;纵裂根管长度平均值为（8．61±0．78）mm。RootZX和ProPex2种根尖定位仪的电测长度皆小于根管实际长度（P〈0．001）;RootZX电测值、ProPex电测值、纵裂根管长度之间差异无统计学意义（F=1．342,P〉0．05）。结论根尖定位仪有助于牙根纵裂的临床诊断。     

A comparison between two electronic apex locators: an in vivo investigation

AIM: To compare in vivo the Apex Finder and Root ZX electronic apex locators (EALs) at five different stages during root canal instrumentation. METHODOLOGY: The Apex Finder and Root ZX were used in 64 teeth with either vital or necrotic pulps. Informed consent was obtained by each patient under a study protocol approved by an ethical committee from the University of Trieste. Measurements were made: (stage 1) before instrumentation and irrigation; (stage 2) after brief filing, irrigation with 70% isopropyl alcohol and partial drying; (stage 3) after canal lubrication with EDTA gel (RC-Prep); (stage 4) after complete instrumentation and irrigation with NaOCl 5%; (stage 5) after drying of the final instrumented canal. Stages 2, 3 and 5 were considered low canal conductivity conditions and stage 4 as high. Teeth were then extracted and a size 15 K-file was inserted until its tip was observed under stereomicroscope to reach the foramen and the corresponding length was recorded to an accuracy of 0.25 mm and compared with values derived from the EALs. RESULTS: The data revealed 133 unstable measurements (out of 640): some (68) related to low canal conductivity conditions (more frequently for Root ZX, 67; P < 0.05), and others (63) related to NaOCl presence in the canal (more frequently for Apex Finder, 58; P < 0.05). Accuracy was calculated only on stable measurements. The Root ZX showed significantly (P < 0.05) more precise measurements overall (-0.03 +/- 0.39 mm) compared with the Apex Finder (-0.31 +/- 0.46 mm). Under dry canal conditions the Apex Finder provided the greatest accuracy (-0.0 +/- 0.21) compared with the Root ZX (-0.05 +/- 0.32) (significance P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Under the five different clinical situations both EALs revealed accurate measurements. Apex Finder was negatively influenced by NaOCl in the root canal. The Root ZX was more frequently unable to reveal stable measurements in low conductivity canals.     

2种根尖定位仪准确性的临床评价

目的 评价2种根尖定位仪的准确性。方法 选取因修复需要根管治疗的上前牙,共40个根管。要求未罹患任何牙体牙髓疾病,具有正常牙髓活力。局麻下常规开髓,分别选用第三代电子根管测量仪ROOT ZX及第四代产品VDW Raypex5测量工作长度。随后插针进行牙CT拍摄,从牙CT影像中得到根尖孔位置,测得工作长度,并以此作为金标准。引入经典流行病学中对诊断试验评价的方法,采用SPSS13.0软件,根据测得数据绘制受试者工作特性曲线（receiver operator characteristic curve,简称ROC曲线）,按曲线下面积,比较几种诊断试验的诊断效率。结果 ROOT ZX和VDW Raypex5的准确率分别为87.5%和92.5%。ROC曲线下面积ROOT ZX为0.489,VDW Raypex5为0.505。结论 ROOT ZX和VDW两代产品都对根管工作长度的测量结果准确、安全、可靠。ROC曲线是一种全面、准确评价诊断试验有效的方法。     

RootZX根管测量仪与X线片测量根管长度的比较研究

目的比较RootZX型根管长度测量仪与X线片定位法对根管长度测量的准确性。方法选取门诊需根管治疗的病例107颗患牙，根管总数213个，采用G钻预备根管口，RootZX根管氏度测量仪初测根管长度后，插K锉以标准投照技术拍摄X线片，测量诊断丝距根尖的距离用以评价RootZX测量的准确性。结果RootZX根管长度测量仪与X线片测量根管长度无显著差异（P〉0．05），误差在±0．5mm内的根管数有207个，准确率达97．18％。结论RootZX根管长度测量仪可用于临床，是一种准确性较高，重复性较好，能减少X线损害的根管治疗定位仪器。     

Ex vivo evaluation of the ability of four different electronic apex locators to determine the working length in teeth with various foramen diameters

BACKGROUND: The aim of this ex vivo study was to evaluate the accuracy of four electronic apex locators (EALs) to determine the working length in teeth with various foramen diameters. Our previous study revealed that electronically measured canal length was influenced by the root canal diameter. It is not known whether foramen size would interfere with the reading accuracy of an EAL. METHODS: A total of 36 extracted human lower single rooted premolar teeth were divided into four groups of nine teeth each. In groups A, B and C, the root canals were instrumented using #10-80, #10-100 and #10-120 K-files, and the tip of size #80, #100 and #120 K-files were permitted to pass through the apical foramen to a length of 1mm, respectively. In group D, the teeth were instrumented using #10-140 K-files and the tip of #140 K-file was permitted to pass through the apical foramen to a length of 5 mm. Thus, the average apical foramen diameters in groups A, B, C and D were approximately 0.82 mm, 1.02 mm, 1.22mm and 1.5 mm, respectively. The teeth were then mounted in 1% agar and four EALs were used: Root ZX, Foramatron D10, Apex NRG and Apit 7. For electronic measurement, sizes #10 and #80, #10 and #100, #10 and #120, and #10 and #140 K-files were used for groups A, B, C and D, respectively. During electronic measurement the canals were flushed with 6% sodium hypochlorite solution. RESULTS: Three-way ANOVA and Bonferroni test showed that EAL, file size and foramen size all had a significant influence on the measurement error (P<0.0001), with all the interactions between these three factors being significant (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The four EALs were unreliable to determine the working length of teeth with a wide apical foramen, when using a small size file. The Root ZX and Foramatron D10 showed significantly better scores than the other two EALs and may be more reliable to determine the working length of teeth with a wide apical foramen, if a tight-fit file is used.