An in vivo comparison of gradient and absolute impedance electronic apex locators

Two electronic apex locators based on the gradient (Apit) and absolute (Odontometer) impedance principles were evaluated. Distances of file tips to apical foramina were determined in vivo with the electronic apex locators and subsequently verified after extraction. Mean differences between file tips and apical foramina were +0.14 +/- 0.27 mm and -0.36 +/- 0.71 mm for the Apit and Odontometer, respectively. These differences were statistically significant (p < 0.001). the Apit's and Odontometer's results ranged from +0.85 to -0.65 mm and from +0.35 to 2.45 mm from the apical foramen, respectively. Ninety-three and 73% of the findings for the Apit and the Odontometer, respectively, were within the +/- 0.5 mm range, whereas 100% and 86%, respectively, were within the +/- 1.0 mm range. Thirty-three and 43% of the results for the Apit and the Odontometer, respectively, were 1.0 mm or less coronal to the apical foramen. The Apit tended to yield the more reliable results because of the narrower range.