Accuracy of Root ZX mini and Raypex 6 in locating the apical foramen of molars: radiographic and microscopic evaluation

Resumo

The precise localization of the apical foramen and the
odontometry determination is an important stage since it locates the
apical limit for instrumentation and filling. Objective: To compare
the accuracy of Root-ZX Mini and Raypex 6 in locating apical foramen
in extracted molars. Material and methods: 80 mesial and buccal
canals from 40 mandibular and maxillary human molars were
used. A size #15 K-file was introduced to canal, until the locator
indicated the apical foramen (red bar/line in both devices). With
the file in position, it was re-adjusted for Root-ZX II Mini on the
green bar and on the two yellow bars for Raypex 6. All the samples
were measured from the tip of the file to the apical foramen with
radiovisiograph and the Sidexis software. The apical third of the root was shaved until exposure of the file. The distance
from the file tip to the most coronal border of the apical
foramen was obtained and it was measured with a clinical
microscope at 16-fold magnification. The measured lengths
with the radiovisiograph and the clinical microscope were
analyzed with the statistical Student’s T-test. Results: The
average length from the tip of the file to the apical foramen
using Root-ZX Mini was 0.695 mm and 0.543 mm with
Raypex 6. There was no significant difference. Conclusion:
Two devices were accurate in locating apical foramen with
an adequate level of reliability.