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The accuracy of electronic working length determination.
1Department of Operative and Preventive Dentistry and Periodontology, Georg-August-University Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany. dirk.hoer@t-online.de
International Endodontic Journal
|February 12, 2004
Summary
This study evaluated two electronic length measuring devices (ELDs) for root canal treatment. While effective for locating the apical foramen region, neither device precisely determined the apical constriction in vivo.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Dental Technology
Background:
- Accurate electronic working length determination is crucial in endodontic therapy.
- Impedance quotient apex locators are widely used for this purpose.
- In vivo validation of these devices under clinical conditions is essential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the in vivo accuracy of two impedance quotient apex locators (Justy II and Endy 5000) in determining root canal working length.
- To compare the devices' performance in identifying the minor/major apical foramen region versus the apical constriction.
Main Methods:
- Seventy-nine human teeth (93 root canals) were analyzed pre-extraction.
- Electronic working length was determined using Justy II (n=51) and Endy 5000 (n=42).
- Post-extraction histological analysis under a light microscope was compared with radiographic assessment.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found between electronic and radiographic assessments for either device.
- The minor/major foramen region was accurately identified in 82.4% (Justy II) and 81% (Endy 5000).
- Accurate determination of the apical constriction was less precise: 51% (Justy II) and 64.3% (Endy 5000).
Conclusions:
- Electronic length measuring devices can reliably determine the apical foramen region in vivo.
- Precise identification of the apical constriction remains a challenge with current impedance quotient apex locators.
- Further advancements may be needed for enhanced apical constriction localization.