The Effect of File Size and Type and Irrigation Solutions on the Accuracy of Electronic Apex Locators: AnIn VitroStudy on Canine Teeth

Abstract

Measurements of the root canal during endodontic treatment have a significant influence on the course of the therapeutic process as well as on its final result in both human and veterinary medicine. The apical constriction should be the termination point for the preparation and filling of the root canal. This research was conducted with the use of a Septodont kit consisting of a small chamber filled with the examined solution in which a healthy second incisor was placed. The step back method was applied for the root canal preparation and master apical file of 30 was used. The working length was 22 mm. The examination was conducted with the use of steel as well as nickel titanium hand instruments. Different irrigation solutions and two types of apex locators were used. Measurements of the working length of the root canal showed dependence on the size of the instrument. Examinations carried out in various environments showed that analogical measurements were obtained only for sodium hypochlorite solutions. In other environments the measured sections were shortened. Comparative examinations with the use of steel instruments demonstrated insignificant measurement differences. Compared to these results, the measurements in nickel titanium group were characterized by more considerable deviations.

Comparative evaluation of accuracy of two electronic apex locators in the presence of contemporary irrigants: An in vitro study

“…wherein both 2% and 5.25% NaOCl gave the most favorable results with the use of both stainless steel and nickel-titanium files. [ 12 ] Intragroup comparison among irrigants in decreasing order was as follows: OCT >CHX >NaOCl >heated NaOCl. Similar result has been reported in a recent study by Altunbaş et al ., where least accurate results were found in the presence of NaOCl in teeth with perforation when using Dentaport ZX.…”

Influence of different sized files on the accuracy of two electronic apex locators

“…Electronic measurements of working length may be influenced by different factors . Apex locators are frequently used with smaller size files, however, the effect of file size on measurement accuracy are not clear.…”

“…Enlargement of the root canal was initially performed using Gates Glidden burs, creating a glide path allowing the file to reach the apical foramen easily and directly, ensuring accuracy of the EAL readings . Sodium hypochlorite was used as the irrigant of choice as it has been found to not influence the accuracy of EALs .…”

“…Despite this, the precision of electronic working length measurement depends on the device used, the type of irrigant and root canal anatomy variabilities . It has been reported a large apical size can affect the variation in impedance values , especially seen in open apex cases, apical resorption as well as following over‐instrumentation.…”

Accuracy of Two Electronic Apex locators in Determining Simulated Root perforation (In Vitro Study)

“…It comes from the fact that it is a solution characterized by high electrical conductivity and with the potential to penetrate into dentinal tubules and decrease electrical impedance of the root canal walls as well as generate better electrical contact with periapical tissues (13,18) Recent studies reported that some physico-chemical properties of root dentin can be affected by sodium hypochlorite solution. Hence, it is possible that such change has influenced the accuracies of the devices in present study (19)(20)(21) . Hence, NaOCl was used in different roots rather than those of CHX in order to avoid its effect on root dentin.…”