Work

A Comparative Ex Vivo Study on Apex Locator Precision in Mature Teeth and Immature Teeth With Divergent Canals

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: AIM: This study investigates the accuracy of an apex locator in mature and immature teeth with divergent root canals ex vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty extracted premolar teeth were utilized for the study, with 25 mature teeth (Nolla stage 9 or 10) and 25 immature teeth (Nolla stages ≤ 8). The discrepancies between the actual length (AL) and the electronic length (EL), measured using a Bingo 1020 apex locator, were compared and analyzed. Statistical analysis included Pearson's correlation analysis, a T-test for independent samples, and multiple linear regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The difference between AL and EL in immature teeth was significantly higher than in mature premolar teeth. Nonetheless, patient gender or jaw type (upper/lower) did not affect the accuracy of electronic apex locator (EAL) measurements. CONCLUSION: EAL readings are less accurate in immature teeth than in mature teeth. Supplementary measures, such as radiographic length determination and wet-dry paper point tests, are required to confirm the working length for improved treatment outcomes and patient compliance.

Source: Cureus

DOI: 10.7759/cureus.69116

Authors: Noam Kaufman, Avia Fux Noy, Iris Slutzky-Goldberg

Institution: Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Language: English

Topic: Endodontics and Root Canal Treatments

Subfield: Oral Surgery

Field: Dentistry

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W4402388614