Apex locators in endodontics: in-vivo comparison between different devices and radiographic method

Area of Science:

• Endodontics
• Dental Technology
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Accurate working length (WL) determination is crucial for successful endodontic therapy.
• Inaccurate WL measurements can result in treatment failure and periradicular pathologies.
• Current methods include apex locators and intraoral radiography.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the precision of radiographic methods versus two types of apex locators for WL determination.
• To evaluate the influence of cost on the performance of apex locators.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study using both in vivo and in vitro methods on extracted teeth.
• Three working length measurement techniques were assessed: radiography, an inexpensive apex locator, and an expensive apex locator (Root ZX II).
• Measurement accuracy was validated via stereomicroscopic visual inspection.

Main Results:

• Apex locators demonstrated higher precision than the radiographic method.
• Radiographic method accuracy is limited by subjective image interpretation.
• No significant precision differences were found between the inexpensive and expensive apex locators.

Conclusions:

• Apex locators are more precise than radiography for WL determination in endodontics.
• Cost is a significant factor in selecting dental electro-medical equipment, especially when performance is comparable.
• Dentists should consider the similar precision of various apex locators when making purchasing decisions.