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Ozdemir O. An effective artificial testing model to reliability experiments for electronic apex locator devices used in endodontic practice. Niger J Clin Pract 2022; 25:1973-1977. [PMID: 36537453 DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_27_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM This experimental study aimed to investigate the reliability of using electronic apex locator devices to determine the working length of artificial root canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS The experiments were performed using resin endoblocks and mandibular canine teeth (n = 20/group). After the same working length of root canal samples was provided, the teeth and artificial root canals were embedded in an alginate mold. The measurements with Root ZX® and Propex Pixi® apex locators were performed and recorded. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (SPSS V23; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA) and the variance was set at P < 0.05. RESULTS There was no significant difference between the groups; mean distance from the actual working length using different apex locators (P = 0.633, P = 0.474), and endpoint positioning distributions (P = 0.591). CONCLUSION The results indicate that the artificial model could be a laboratory method of determining the accuracy of apex locators and efficient calibration of devices before their clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Ozdemir
- Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Karabük University, Karabük, Turkey
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Heo KY, Hwang HK, Jo HH. Accuracy of electronic apex locators using heat-treated Ni-Ti file. AUST ENDOD J 2022; 49:111-116. [PMID: 35583852 DOI: 10.1111/aej.12626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the accuracy of two electronic apex locators (DentaPort and Bingo) using heat-treated nickel-titanium files. The true root canal length of 30 single-rooted teeth was determined using K files. Next, the electronically measured length was determined using two nickel-titanium files (ProGlider and HyFlex EDM Glide Path File) with two electronic apex locators at the 'APEX' marks. The accuracy of the electronic apex locator was evaluated by comparing the true root canal length and electronically measured length for each measurement. There was no significant difference between the measurements with two nickel-titanium files, and all differences between true root canal length and electronically measured length were within ±0.5 mm regardless of the type of nickel-titanium files or electronic apex locators. Based on the results, the heat treatment of the nickel-titanium files showed no adverse effects on the working length determination using electronic apex locators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kang-Young Heo
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Ho-Keel Hwang
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Korea
| | - Hyoung-Hoon Jo
- Department of Conservative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Chosun University, Gwangju, South Korea
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Bin Rubaia'an MA, AbuHassna M, AlShahrani RK, Alghulikah K, Dahham Alsaffan A. Apexoconnection: A Novel Technique to Determine Working Length. Clin Cosmet Investig Dent 2021; 13:353-360. [PMID: 34429659 PMCID: PMC8380135 DOI: 10.2147/ccide.s316839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the accuracy of working length (WL) determination when using the conventional electronic WL (EWL) technique versus using the novel Apexoconnection technique involving EWL with a connector (EWLc). Materials and Methods Sixty extracted posterior teeth with a total of 118 root canals were selected for the study. The real WL (RWL) of each canal was verified using a dental microscope under 25.6x magnification. Root canal lengths were measured with an apex locator using the attachment device directly attached to the hand file in the root canal and then adding another hand file as a connector between the attachment device and the file in the root canal. The distance from the file’s stopper to its tip was measured using a digital caliper. Statistical analysis was carried out to analyze the data between experimental groups. Results The results of the statistical test showed that the differences in the WL determined by either technique and the proper length as determined under the microscope were not statistically significant. The results of the statistical test comparing the groups were also not statistically significant. Conclusion In this in vitro study, both the novel and conventional techniques were equally accurate for determining WL when compared with the RWL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammed AbuHassna
- Restorative Dentistry Department, College of Dentistry, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Rahaf K AlShahrani
- College of Dentistry, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Khaled Alghulikah
- Restorative Dentistry Department, College of Dentistry, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulrahman Dahham Alsaffan
- Preventive Dentistry Department, College of Dentistry, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
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Bernardo RCFD, Alves LS, Bruno AMV, Coutinho TMC, Gusman H. The accuracy of electronic apex locators for determining working length: An in vitro study with artificial teeth. AUST ENDOD J 2020; 47:217-221. [PMID: 33368839 DOI: 10.1111/aej.12455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the accuracy of four electronic apex locators (EALs) (I-Root, Propex Pixi, Novapex and Bassi iRoot Apex), using artificial mandibular and maxillary permanent molars. The root length (RL) from 40 artificial teeth was initially determined with Kerr hand files. Then, the electronic RL were obtained for the same root canals with each EAL, and the results were compared with those obtained using hand files. The accuracy of the EALs was determined through analysis of the divergences observed in relation to the lengths obtained with files. All EALs were effective for determining the RL in the artificial teeth, showing results similar to those obtained by hand. The Bassi iRoot Apex had higher accuracy (96.7%) than the Propex Pixi (89.1%) and Novapex (85.8%) (P < 0.05). Based on the results, all EALs tested had a similar performance, and artificial teeth may be used to determine the accuracy of these devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel C F D Bernardo
- Department of Dental Clinic, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Louise S Alves
- Department of Dental Clinic, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Adilia M V Bruno
- Department of Dental Clinic, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Thais M C Coutinho
- Department of Dental Clinic, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Heloisa Gusman
- Department of Dental Clinic, School of Dentistry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Hanafi A, Donnermeyer D, Schäfer E, Bürklein S. Perception of a modular 3D print model in undergraduate endodontic education. Int Endod J 2020; 53:1007-1016. [PMID: 32220071 DOI: 10.1111/iej.13299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM To evaluate a modular 3D print training dental model with embedded human teeth and electronic working length determination for undergraduate endodontic education. METHODOLOGY Cone-beam volume tomography data of a human skull were transferred into stereolithographic (STL) data, and a customizable modular 3D print model with individually removable sextants and teeth was generated for the use in commercially available phantom heads. Each of sixty-eight students performed a complete root canal treatment on an extracted human tooth. Working lengths were determined with electronic apex locators (EAL) and verified radiographically. Subsequently, an evaluation was carried out with regard to the difficulty of the working steps access cavity preparation, working length determination, root canal preparation/irrigation and canal filling, and these steps were compared to commonly used benchtop models. Additionally, the agreement of electronic and radiographic working length determination was assessed and analysed statistically with the chi-square test. RESULTS A total of 68 teeth (20 incisors, 26 premolars and 22 molars) with 127 root canals were treated. In total, 87% of the students considered the modular 3D print model considerably more demanding than the conventional benchtop model. Overall, 96% felt better prepared for the clinical situation, 92% felt markedly reduced stress levels during endodontic practice in the subsequent clinical courses, and 93% of the students suggested the model should be used in future preclinical endodontic training. The preradiographic use of EAL resulted in 85% of the cases having radiographically acceptable working length determination within 0-2 mm from the radiographic apex. Readings more than 2 mm from the apex or beyond were significantly more common in molars than in premolars and incisors (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The vast majority of students rated the modular 3D print training model positively despite it being more demanding. They also recommended its use in preclinical teaching and training. The model allowed a more realistic simulation of the clinical situation with a simultaneous use of EALs and led to reduced stress levels in endodontic treatment in the subsequent clinical courses.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Hanafi
- Private Office, Gelsenkirchen, Germany
| | - D Donnermeyer
- Department of Periodontology and Operative Dentistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - E Schäfer
- Central Interdisciplinary Ambulance in the School of Dentistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - S Bürklein
- Central Interdisciplinary Ambulance in the School of Dentistry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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Chaudhary S, Gharti A, Adhikari B. An in vivo comparison of accuracy of two electronic apex locators in determining working length using stainless steel and nickel titanium files. Clin Cosmet Investig Dent 2018; 10:75-82. [PMID: 29861643 PMCID: PMC5968804 DOI: 10.2147/ccide.s158882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose A key factor affecting the success of endodontic treatment is correct determination of root canal working length (WL). The purpose of this in vivo study was to compare the accuracy of Propex II and iPex II electronic apex locator (EAL) in determining the WL under clinical conditions, to that of radiographic working length (RWL) using stainless steel (SS) and nickel–titanium (NiTi) hand files. Patients and methods Thirty-seven patients, with 60 anterior teeth (60 canals) scheduled for endodontic treatment participated in this study after ethical approval. Electronic working length (EWL) was determined by the Propex II and iPex II according to manufacturer’s instructions using SS Hand K-files and NiTi Hand files. RWL was determined after EWL determination. The results obtained with each EAL with SS and NiTi files were compared with RWL. Data was analyzed statistically at a significance level of p < 0.05. Interclass correlation coefficient was calculated. Results Statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between the EALs, indicating similar accuracies between them with respect to accuracy in determining the WL (p > 0.05). No significant difference was found between the EWL and RWL and between SS and NiTi files for WL determination (p > 0.05) as well. The result also displayed a high intraclass correlation coefficient between the RWL and EWL measurement methods. Conclusion Under the in vivo clinical conditions of this study, both Propex II and iPex II were similar to the RWL determination technique showing high correlation to RWL. Both are clinically acceptable EAL for WL determination and both SS hand K-file and NiTi file can be used interchangeably without compromising the WL during treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjeeb Chaudhary
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, School of Dental Sciences, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Nepal
| | - Archana Gharti
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, School of Dental Sciences, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Nepal
| | - Bhawana Adhikari
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, School of Dental Sciences, Chitwan Medical College, Bharatpur, Nepal
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Rambabu T, Srikanth V, Sajjan GS, Ganguru S, Gayatri C, Roja K. Comparison of Tentative Radiographic Working Length with and without grid Versus Electronic Apex Locator. Contemp Clin Dent 2018; 9:88-91. [PMID: 29599591 PMCID: PMC5863417 DOI: 10.4103/ccd.ccd_790_17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The apical termination of obturation is the most important factor influencing the success of root canal treatment (RCT). Working length (WL) is the key element in achieving this. AIM The aim of this study is to compare and evaluate the preoperative estimated WL with conventional radiograph and with grid radiograph, with reference to electronic apex locator (EAL) in single-rooted teeth. SETTINGS AND DESIGN Thirty permanent anterior teeth with complete root formation indicated for RCT were included in this study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Conventional radiograph (Group 1) and conventional radiograph with external grid (Group 2) were made before access opening. WL with EAL (Group 3) was determined after access opening. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS The statistical package for the social sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) was used to compare the WLs of three groups, and the statistical significance was considered to be P ≤ 0.05. ANOVA, post hoc test were made to measure the intergroup comparison, and Pearson correlation values were obtained. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The results of the study showed a higher correlation between grid WL and apex locator WL than conventional WL and apex locator WL. Preoperative metrics with radiographic grid along with the apex locator is a better measuring tool compared to the conventional radiographic WL in a single-rooted tooth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanikonda Rambabu
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Vishnu Dental College, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Visinigiri Srikanth
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Vishnu Dental College, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India,Address for correspondence: Dr. Visinigiri Srikanth, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Vishnu Dental College, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India. E-mail:
| | - Girija S. Sajjan
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Vishnu Dental College, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Sirisha Ganguru
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Vishnu Dental College, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - Chava Gayatri
- Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Vishnu Dental College, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India
| | - K. Roja
- Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, Vishnu Dental College, West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, India
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Sidhu P, Shankargouda S, Dicksit DD, Mahdey HM, Muzaffar D, Arora S. Evaluation of Interference of Cellular Phones on Electronic Apex Locators: An In Vitro Study. J Endod 2016; 42:622-5. [PMID: 26850688 DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2015.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2015] [Revised: 12/19/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Use of mobile phone has been prohibited in many hospitals to prevent interference with medical devices. Electromagnetic radiation emitted from cellular phones might interfere with electronic working length determination. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effect of a smart phone (Samsung Galaxy Note Edge) on working length determination of electronic apex locators (EALs) Propex II and Rootor. METHODS Fifteen intact, non-carious single-rooted teeth were decoronated at the cementoenamel junction. Visually, working length was determined by using a #15 K-file under stereomicroscope (×20). The effect of cellular phones on electronic working length (EWL) was determined under 2 experimental settings: (1) in a closed room with poor signal strength and (2) in a polyclinic set up with good signal strength and 5 conditions: (1) electronically, without cellular phone in room; (2) electronically, with cellular phone in physical contact with EAL; (3) electronically, with mobile phone in physical contact with EAL and in calling mode for a period of 25 seconds; (4) electronically, mobile phone placed at a distance of 40 cm from the EAL; and (5) electronically, mobile phone placed at a distance of 40 cm and in calling mode for a period of 25 seconds. The EWL was measured 3 times per tooth under each condition. Stability of the readings was scored from 1 to 3: (1) good stability, (2) stable reading after 1 attempt, and (3) stable reading after 2 attempts. The data were compared by using analysis of variance. RESULTS The EWL measurements were not influenced by the presence of cellular phone and could be determined under all experimental conditions. CONCLUSIONS Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that mobile phones do not interfere with the EWL determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preena Sidhu
- Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, Jalan Teknologi, Kota Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia.
| | - Swapnil Shankargouda
- KLE University VK Institute of Dental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College Campus, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Haydar Majeed Mahdey
- Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, Jalan Teknologi, Kota Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Danish Muzaffar
- Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, Jalan Teknologi, Kota Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shelly Arora
- Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, Jalan Teknologi, Kota Damansara, Selangor, Malaysia
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Aydin U, Karataslioglu E, Aksoy F, Yildirim C. In vitro evaluation of Root ZX and Raypex 6 in teeth with different apical diameters. J Conserv Dent 2015; 18:66-9. [PMID: 25657531 PMCID: PMC4313483 DOI: 10.4103/0972-0707.148899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2014] [Revised: 12/14/2014] [Accepted: 12/18/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is a growing interest about electronic apex locators for working length determination. There are several studies dealing with their performance in different conditions. Aims: The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of Root ZX and Raypex 6 in teeth with different apical diameters. Materials and Methods: Actual working length (AWL) of 80 single rooted teeth were determined as 0.5 mm short of apical foramen. The teeth were divided into 4 groups (n = 20). First group (G 0) included teeth with mature apices. Root canals of the other groups (G 32, G 57 and G 72) were enlarged until apical sizes of 0.32, 0.57 and 0.72 mm were obtained. Samples were embedded in alginate and electronic measurements (EM) were performed. Statistical analysis: was achieved with Fisher exact test. Results: Both devices revealed a high rate of success in G 0 and G 32. Their accuracy decreased significantly in G 57 and G 72 groups (P < 0.05). Intra-group results of Root ZX and Raypex 6 were similar (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Root ZX and Raypex 6 are reliable in teeth with mature apices. At foramen diameters exceeding 0.57 mm, their accuracy is susceptible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugur Aydin
- Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Emrah Karataslioglu
- Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Fatih Aksoy
- Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
| | - Cihan Yildirim
- Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey
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Milanovic I, Ivanovic V, Vujaskovic M, Ignjatovic S, Miletic V. Accuracy of three electronic apex locators in determining the apical foramen in multi-rooted teeth: Randomised clinical and laboratory study. AUST ENDOD J 2014; 41:35-43. [PMID: 25195611 DOI: 10.1111/aej.12074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to compare the accuracy of three electronic apex locators (EALs), Raypex 5, Apex NRG and ProPex II, in locating the apical foramen (AF) in vivo. Thirty multi-rooted teeth were included in the study. Distances from the file tip to the radiographic apex from the buccal (R1) and mesial (R2) aspect were measured after extraction. The distance from the file tip to the AF (L) was measured microscopically. Raypex 5, Apex NRG and ProPex II were accurate to within ± 0.5 mm in 84.6%, 78.6% and 66.7% of cases, respectively. R1, R2 and L measurements between the EALs were not statistically different (P > 0.05). R1 and L correlated positively (r(2) = 0.817; P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in all measurements between vital and non-vital root canals (P > 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the EALs. There was a positive correlation between electronic and radiographic measurements when locating the AF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Milanovic
- School of Dental Medicine, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Kara Tuncer A, Gerek M. Effect of working length measurement by electronic apex locator or digital radiography on postoperative pain: a randomized clinical trial. J Endod 2013; 40:38-41. [PMID: 24331988 DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2013.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Revised: 07/31/2013] [Accepted: 08/01/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of working length determination methods, electronic apex locator and digital radiography, on postoperative pain. METHODS Two hundred twenty patients with asymptomatic single-rooted vital teeth were randomly assigned to 2 groups according to the method used for working length determination, the radiographic group and the electronic apex locator group. After working length determination, chemomechanical preparation was performed in a crown-down technique with ProTaper instruments. A master cone radiograph was taken. Canals were obturated with gutta-percha and sealer by using a lateral compaction technique. Postoperative pain was assessed after 4, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours by using a 4-point pain intensity scale. In addition, patients were asked to record the number of days necessary to achieve complete pain resolution. RESULTS Postoperative pain during the 4-hour to 48-hour interval studied was not significantly different (P > .05) between groups. The mean times for pain dissipation in the radiographic and electronic apex locator groups were 3.37 ± 2.79 and 3.88 ± 3.34 days, respectively. The difference between groups was not statistically significant (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS There is no difference in postoperative pain between working length measurement methods by using an electronic apex locator or digital radiography. The reduced exposure to radiation by using apex locator may be a factor that influences a dentist's decision to choose the electronic apex locator over radiography.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysun Kara Tuncer
- Department of Endodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Bezmialem Vakif University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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12
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Tchorz JP, Ganter PA, Woelber JP, Stampf S, Hellwig E, Altenburger MJ. Evaluation of an improved endodontic teaching model: do preclinical exercises have an influence on the technical quality of root canal treatments? Int Endod J 2013; 47:410-5. [PMID: 23889696 DOI: 10.1111/iej.12162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 07/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate whether the preclinical application of an electronic root canal length measurement device (ERCLMD) leads to more accurate working length (WL) determinations in a preclinical endodontic course and if this exercise effects the technical quality of root canal procedures when treatments are performed on patients for the first time. METHODOLOGY Root canal treatments performed by two consecutive groups of third year students (group 1: n = 39, group 2: n = 44) were compared in the preclinical course and when root canal treatments were performed on patients in the following term. Two different teaching models were applied in the preclinical endodontic course. WL in group 1 was determined with radiographs only. The teaching model applied in group 2 allowed the application of an ERCLMD. When treatments were performed on patients, both groups used the same technique to determine WL. It was first determined using an ERCLMD and verified radiographically. Master cone and root filling lengths were evaluated using radiographs, and comparisons between both groups were made using Fischer's exact test. RESULTS Root fillings performed by students of group 2 were more often classified as acceptable. This observation was made in the preclinical endodontic course and when treatments were performed on patients. CONCLUSIONS The application of an ERCLMD in combination with radiographs is more accurate to determine WL than radiographs alone. Students practiced the use of ERCLMDs with the new model and benefited from this experience when performing their first root canal treatments on patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J P Tchorz
- Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, University Medical Centre, Freiburg, Germany
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13
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Koçak S, Koçak MM, Sağlam BC. Efficiency of 2 electronic apex locators on working length determination: A clinical study. J Conserv Dent 2013; 16:229-32. [PMID: 23833456 PMCID: PMC3698586 DOI: 10.4103/0972-0707.111320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2012] [Revised: 02/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/12/2013] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the clinical accuracy of two electronic apex locators (EALs). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 120 patients with 283 roots were randomized into three groups including, traditional radiographic method, EAL (Root ZX mini), and apex locating endodontic motor (VDW Gold) for working length (WL) determination. Root canals were instrumented to a size ProTaper F3 nickel titanium file. The obturation quality of matched tapered master cone (ProTaper F3) was determined for the accuracy of WL. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED Descriptive statistics were expressed as numbers and percentages. Pearson Chi-square test was used to determine for differences between groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all tests. RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference between the three tested groups (P = 0.894). CONCLUSIONS The success of both apex locators was similar to the radiographic WL determination technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sibel Koçak
- Department of Endodontics, Bülent Ecevit University, Faculty of Dentistry, Zonguldak, Turkey
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