Accuracy of three different apex locators and visual exam in primary teeth with and without root resorption in vitro

Abstract

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of three apex locators (EndoMaster, Raypex, DentaPort ZX) and visual assessment in primary molar teeth in vitro. Materials and methods Twenty-four extracted human primary molar teeth with and without root resorption were used in this study. After endodontic access preparation, root canal length was visually measured by means of a K file; then the teeth were embedded into alginate and the roots were measured again by mans of the three apex locators. The results were collected in SPSS 15.0 and statistical evaluations were completed by one-way ANOVA and Kruksal-Wallis test. Results The measurements closest to the visually determined length were obtained with EndoMaster. No statistically significant differences were found between visual and apex locators lengths (p>0.05). Conclusion Within the limitations of this study, the use of apex locators would be useful in the endodontic treatment of primary teeth.