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Clinical evaluation of five electronic root canal length measuring instruments
A F Fouad1, K V Krell, D J McKendry
1College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City.
Journal of Endodontics
|September 1, 1990
Summary
This study evaluated electronic root canal length measuring instruments in clinical settings. While accuracy varied, no significant differences were found, and radiographic verification remains essential for working length determination.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Dental instrumentation
Background:
- Previous in vitro studies indicated high accuracy for electronic root canal length measuring instruments.
- Clinical significance of these instruments' performance remained unevaluated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess and compare the clinical performance of five electronic root canal length measuring instruments.
- To correlate the accuracy of these electronic instruments with radiographic estimations of root canal length.
Main Methods:
- Five electronic root canal length measuring instruments were utilized to determine the working length in 20 single-rooted teeth scheduled for extraction.
- Post-extraction, actual canal length was visually measured to the apical foramen.
- Electronic measurements were compared against actual canal lengths.
Main Results:
- The accuracy of electronic root canal length measuring instruments within +/- 0.5 mm of the apical foramen ranged from 55% to 75%.
- No statistically significant differences in accuracy were observed among the tested instruments.
- Most instruments, except the Endocater, provided measurements extending beyond the apical foramen.
Conclusions:
- The clinical accuracy of the evaluated electronic root canal length measuring instruments showed considerable variability.
- Measurement variability was comparable to radiographic estimates, underscoring the continued need for radiographic verification of working length in endodontic procedures.