An in vitro comparison of root canal measurement in primary teeth

To compare the accuracy of root canal lengths in primary teeth determined by tactile sense, electronic apex locator, conventional radiography, and digital radiography in primary teeth. The study sample consisted of twenty 20 extracted, single-rooted primary teeth. A comparison was made between the working length measurements obtained by tactile sensation, electronic apex locator, conventional film, and digital radiography, using stereomicroscopic measurements to obtain real canal length. The mean readings obtained were 15.91+/-2.06 by tactile measurement, 15.94 94+/-1.42 by apex locator, 16.06+/-1.73 by conventional radiography, and 15.91+/-1.60 by digital radiography. No statistically significant differences were seen between the techniques.