Nonionizing method of locating the apical constriction (minor foramen) in root canals

The electronic method was evaluated as to its accuracy when used to determine the position of the apical constriction (minor foramen) in root canals. There were 39 vital and 8 nonvital teeth for a total of 47 specimens from 22 patients. The specimens were prepared with a Buehler Isomet bone saw to a thickness of 500 microns. Distances were measured and recorded with the use of a Bioquant II image analysis system. The electronic method appeared to measure a mean value of 0.2 mm coronal to the cemetodentinal junction in 47 canals where the apex locator was set at a reference setting of 40. When a frequency curve was plotted, it showed that the probability of being within 0.76 mm (1 SD) of the cementodentinal junction was 68%. This appears to correlate to where Kuttler indicated the minor constriction to be located. These devices seem to offer a unique method to locate the apical constriction and thus to ensure proper working length while reducing ionizing radiation.