Accuracy evaluation of three electronic apex locators in teeth with immature apices

Resumo

The aim of this randomized controlled
study was to evaluate the accuracy of Root ZX, iPex and YS-RZ-A
apex locators in tooth with incomplete apices. Material and methods:
Thirty human mandibular pre-molars without dental caries, fracture
and with 1-3mm apical diameter and ¾ of root development stage
were used. After coronal access, tooth length was determined with the
visualization of a K-file, compatible with the root canal diameter, at
the apex. To determine the root canal length using electronic methods,
the teeth were included in alginate. The 30 teeth were measured with
the three apex locators until achieving the apex foramen. During the
measurement, the canals were inundated with 1% sodium hypochlorite.
Statistical analysis was performed using Qui-square test (p < 0.05).
Results: The Root ZX apex locator showed the higher accuracy (53.3%),
with statistical difference in relation to iPex apex locator (33.3%) and
YS-RZ-A apex locator (26.7%) (p < 0.05). Regarding the security limit of
±1 mm, the Root ZX apex locator did not show statistical difference in
comparison with iPex apex locator (p > 0.05), but both were statistically
different in relation to YS-RZ-A apex locator (p < 0.05). Conclusion:
The results showed that all the studied apex locators were efficient
in determining the root canal length in tooth with incomplete apex,
considering the tolerance of ±1 mm. The Root ZX apex locator showed
the highest accuracy with 100% of agreement.