Clinical evaluation of apex locator and radiography in primary teeth

AimThe aim of this in vivo study was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of electronic apex locater and radiographic determination of root canal length in primary teeth. MethodologyA total of 32 human primary molar teeth (96 roots) were selected. After endodontic access preparation, root canals were irrigated with physiological saline solution. The access cavities were dried with cotton pellets and, the roots were dried with paper points before performing the electronic measurement. The root canal length measurements were first taken with an apex locater (EndoMaster), and then, a size 15K-file was inserted into the root canal, and radiography was taken to determine the working length measurements. The measurement data were recorded and compared by one-way anova and Kruskal-Wallis tests. P<0.05 was accepted for the significance. ResultsThe mean values for radiography were 13.231.92mm and for EndoMaster were 13.08 +/- 1.77mm. The accuracy of EndoMaster was 80.2% in correct measurements +/- 1mm (P<0.001). ConclusionThe electronic apex locators could be useful in determining working length and thereby decreasing the need for radiographs and exposure to ionizing radiation in pediatric dental patients.