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Published on: July 12, 2022
Electronic working length determination in primary teeth by ProPex and Digital Signal Processing.
Paulo Nelson-Filho1, Marcela Pacífico Lucisano, Mário Roberto Leonardo
1Department of Paediatric Clinic, Preventive and Community Dentistry, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
Summary
This study found that both Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and ProPex electronic apex locators are highly accurate for determining root canal length in primary teeth, even with physiological resorption.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Endodontics
Background:
- Accurate root canal length determination is crucial for successful endodontic treatment in primary teeth.
- Physiological resorption can complicate working length assessment in deciduous molars.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the accuracy of two electronic apex locators, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and ProPex, for root canal length determination.
- To compare their efficacy in primary teeth with and without physiological resorption.
Main Methods:
- Fifteen primary molars (34 root canals) were assessed.
- Electronic apex locators (DSP and ProPex) were used to measure canal length.
- Measurements were statistically analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).
Main Results:
- Both electronic apex locators demonstrated high accuracy in all tested conditions.
- ICC values were high for DSP (0.82 with resorption, 0.92 without) and ProPex (0.89 with resorption, 0.90 without).
Conclusions:
- Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and ProPex electronic apex locators are highly accurate for working length determination in primary teeth.
- Their accuracy is maintained even in the presence of physiological root resorption.
