de Alencar NA, Oriano MD, Bolan M, Cardoso M. Is there any difference in length measurement methods for pulpectomies in primary teeth?-A double-blind, controlled clinical trial.
Int J Paediatr Dent 2019;
29:712-719. [PMID:
31356705 DOI:
10.1111/ipd.12567]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Working length is an important step in primary teeth pulpectomy.
AIM
To evaluate whether there is a significant difference in the accuracy of electronic apex locators compared to the conventional radiography in working length measurements.
DESIGN
Sixty-four children (192 canals) between 5 and 9 years of age with indication for pulpectomy of a primary molar were included after eligibility criteria. A radiographic measurement was obtained from pre-operative radiography from the cusp tip to the apex or resorption of the root. The electronic measurement was obtained from a complete measurement of the canal with an electronic device up to the apex. Data were analysed with Bland-Altman plots and Wilcoxon test. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ .05.
RESULTS
Statistically, there is not any significant difference between radiographic and electronic measurements for the palatal canal or distal canal, as well as mesiobuccal canals (P > .05). Statistically, there, however, is a significant difference between the measurements for the distobuccal canal and mesiolingual canal measurements (P < .05). High internal consistency for both radiographic and electronic methods was achieved (α ≅ 1).
CONCLUSIONS
Electronic and radiographic methods are similar in determining the length measurement of the root canals in primary teeth pulpectomies, except in distobuccal or mesiolingual canals.
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