Abstract
Introduction
The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy of the Root ZX II Apex Locator
(RZX), the Elements Apex Locator (ELE), and the Precision Apex Locator (PAL).
Methods
Forty single-rooted extracted teeth were decoronated and the root canals coronally
flared. Actual canal lengths were determined by inserting a #10 file until the tip
was visualized (12.8× magnification) just within the apical foramina. Teeth were mounted
in gelatin conducting medium and randomly tested with each electronic apex locator
(EAL) to determine the electronic canal length. Differences between the electronic
and actual canal lengths were calculated.
Results
The mean differences were −0.02 mm, 0.13 mm, and 0.15 mm for the RZX, PAL, and ELE,
respectively. One-way analysis of variance showed a highly significant difference
among EALs (p = 0.003). Student-Newman-Keuls post hoc analysis found significant differences between
the RZX and the PAL and between the RZX and the ELE at p < 0.05. No significant difference was noted between the PAL and the ELE. The proportion
of electronic canal length measurements falling within ±0.5 mm of the actual canal
lengths for the EALs was as follows: 97.5% for the RZX, 95% for the PAL, and 90% for
the ELE.
Conclusion
The RZX was the most accurate at locating the apical foramen compared with the ELE
and the PAL.
Key Words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 11, 2009
Accepted:
September 12,
2009
Received in revised form:
August 17,
2009
Received:
June 8,
2009
Footnotes
The opinions or assertions expressed in this article are those of the authors and are not to be construed as official policy or position of the Department of the Navy, Department of Defense or the U.S. Government. Certain commercial materials and equipment are identified in this paper to specify the experimental procedure. In no instance does such identification imply recommendation or endorsement by the U.S. Navy, or that the material or the equipment identified is necessarily the best available for the purpose.
Identification
Copyright
Published by Elsevier Inc.
