Accuracy of working length measurement by Raypex 6: Electronic apex locator versus actual measurements under stereomicroscope

Abstract

Background/Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the precision of the Raypex 6 apex locator in locating the apical constriction (AC) and major foramen (MF) during a root canal treatment compared with a microscopic evaluation. Another aim of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Raypex 6 in the presence of different irrigating solutions (NaOCl, saline, EDTA, etidronic acid-HEBP). Material and Methods: One hundred and nine patients were included in this study and were randomly assigned into four groups according to the irrigation solution used; NaOCl, EDTA, HEBF and saline. Electronic MF (EMF) and AC (EAC) were measured by using Raypex 6. The teeth were extracted. The apical 3 mm of each canal was trimmed to expose the file tip. The samples were observed under a stereomicroscope, and the actual length of MF (ALMF) and AC (ALAC) were measured. The data were analyzed by using x2 test, and significance was set at P< 0.05. Results: The Raypex 6 was accurate 71.4% of the time to ±0.5mm and 93.3% of the time to ±1mm in determining the ALAC. While similar ALAC-EAC differences were observed in EDTA, NaOCl, and saline groups (p= 0.230), the highest differences were seen in the HEBP group (p= 1.000). The precision of Raypex 6 in determining the working length measurement depends on the type of irrigation. All solutions allowed reliable detection of AC. However, HEBF significantly increased the risk of overpreparation. Conclusions: Raypex 6 can be recommended for clinical use and its accuracy is not affected by the type of irrigant when locating MF.

Accuracy of Three Types of Apex Locators versus Digital Periapical Radiography for Working Length Determination in Maxillary Premolars: An In Vitro Study

“…Nahidi et al [ 15 ] found no significant difference in the WL measured by Root ZX and the actual WL in single canal maxillary incisors. Although it has been reported that Root ZX overestimates the WL, it should be mentioned that the margin of error within 1 mm is clinically acceptable because evidence shows that apical constriction is located within this range [ 17 , 19 , 20 , 21 ]. Difference in the results of the two studies may be due to differences in sample size, type of tooth, and method of measurement of the actual WL (use of histological sections in the study by Nahidi et al [ 15 ]).…”

The effect of coronal pre-flaring and root canal irrigant on apex locators’ accuracy: an in-vitro study

“…The most popular system is the third-generation apex locator. 9 It uses two frequencies and measures the difference between them; however, the type of moisture present may affect reading accuracy. 9,10 On the other hand, the 4 th generation uses five frequencies, but they make mathematical measurements rather than measurements according to a database.…”

“…9 It uses two frequencies and measures the difference between them; however, the type of moisture present may affect reading accuracy. 9,10 On the other hand, the 4 th generation uses five frequencies, but they make mathematical measurements rather than measurements according to a database. 9,10 However, there are no marked differences in reading accuracy between older apex locator generations.…”

“…9,10 On the other hand, the 4 th generation uses five frequencies, but they make mathematical measurements rather than measurements according to a database. 9,10 However, there are no marked differences in reading accuracy between older apex locator generations. The 5 th generation uses a database of canal electrical features and compares them using a mathematical process.…”

“…Furthermore, working length measurements are more reproducible and accurate than those of previous generations. 9 The use of irrigating media to determine WL has been reported in the literature. Keeping the root canal dry or moist with an irrigator while using apex locators has been questioned by many dental practitioners as to whether it increases the accuracy rate of EAL.…”