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Methodological considerations in the determination of working length.
M A Martínez-Lozano1, L Forner-Navarro, J L Sánchez-Cortés
1Department of Stomatology, Valencia University Medical and Dental School, Spain. forneruv.es
International Endodontic Journal
|August 3, 2001
Summary
This study found that electronic apex locators and radiological methods showed similar, unsatisfactory accuracy in determining root canal working length. No single technique proved completely reliable for precise measurement.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Dental Imaging
- Diagnostic Technology
Background:
- Accurate determination of working length is crucial for successful endodontic treatment.
- Radiological methods and electronic apex locators are commonly used for this purpose.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the diagnostic efficacy of an electronic system for working length determination against conventional film and digital radiography.
- To assess the accuracy of these methods in endodontic procedures.
Main Methods:
- The study involved 28 root canals from 20 human mandibular teeth.
- Working length was measured using an electronic apex locator, conventional radiography, and digital radiography.
- The gold standard involved selective grinding of root tissue to observe file position.
Main Results:
- The electronic method achieved satisfactory results in 67.8% of cases.
- Conventional radiography was satisfactory in 50.6%, and digital radiography in 61.4%.
- Statistical analysis revealed no significant differences in accuracy between the tested techniques.
Conclusions:
- None of the evaluated techniques (electronic apex locator, conventional radiography, digital radiography) were fully satisfactory for establishing true working length.
- There were no statistically significant differences in diagnostic efficacy among the investigated methods.