Accuracy of an electronic apex locator in primary teeth with root resorption

Abstract

Using a criterion of +/- 0.5 mm, the accuracy of the Root ZX was high and not affected by root resorption. When compared with direct canal measurement, the error in locating the apical foramen was smaller with measurement at meter reading 'Apex' than meter reading '0.5 bar'.

Performance in vitro of apex locators in determining root length in primary molars

“…However, it was lower in root with resorption, being the Propex II method the weakest correlation tool. Other authors showed no differences between resorbed and no resorbed roots and two types of EAL (Root ZX and Endex) 3,16 . The Propex II presented the lower performance in this study, different from Nelson-Filho et al 12 that recommend this EAL to primary teeth.…”

“…Root ZX its measurements are performed by calculating the impedance quotient of two distinct frequencies (0.4 and 8.0 kHz) and show precision rates greater than 90%, even when used in unfavorable conditions, such as teeth root resorption. The propex II operates by capturing the signals of two alternating currents (0.5 and 8.0 kHz) and for this calculation, the mean square root of impedances at these two frequencies are measured separately and have a problem with the amplitude of the signal, being lesse affected by any interference in the root canal 16 .…”

“…There are a few studies investigating the EAL in primary dentition [2][3][4]16 . Two Digital Rx 15% (6) 25% (10) 15% (6) 15% (6) 12.5% (5) 10% (5) 5% (2) 2.5% (1) 0 Root ZX 0 12.5% (5) 7.5% (3) 30% (12) 22.5% (9) 20% (8) 5% (2) 2.5% (1) 0 Propex II 0 15% (6) 17.5% (7) 10% (4) 17.5% (7) 12.5% (5) 12.5% (5) 15% (6) 2.5% (1) Note: ** Positive values represent higher values of the methods, and negative values represent values greater visual examination.…”

Effectiveness of Electronic Apex Locator during the Root Canal Length in Primary Teeth: An In Vitro Study

“…One of the critical aspects in this therapy is the determination of the root canal length in order to allow suitable microbial disinfection promoting cleaning, filing and adequate airtight sealing. Instrumentation or overfilling can cause damage to the germ of the permanent successor and in contrast, poor filling may be a risk factor for the persistence of apical infection [1,2].…”

“…The use of EAL in determining the working length has grown considerably in recent years and is used not only in permanent teeth [3,4] but also in primary teeth [2,[5][6][7]. EAL has some advantages over other methods such as radiographic, and new generations of these devices can detect the narrowest diameter of the channel even in the presence of moisture and fluids inside the root canal [8,9].…”