Precisione nella determinazione della lunghezza di lavoro mediante localizzatori elettronici d’apice, radiologia digitale e prova visiva: presentazione di una nuova metodica sperimentale di indagine – uno studio ex-vivo. Exact determination of the working length by electronic apex locators, digital radiology, and visual test: presentation of a new experimental research strategy – an ex-vivo study.

摘要

AbstractudObjectives: This study compared: 1) the accuracy of three different electronic apex locatorsud(EALs) in detecting the apical foramen ex-vivo under clinical conditions; 2) the accuracy of digitaludradiography and EALs in determining the K-file position in the root canal; 3) the accuracy of twouddifferent radiographic planes; (4) the precision of #10, #15, and #20 K-files in electronicudmeasurements; 5) the precision of EALs in relation to the dental anatomy classification (anterior,udbicuspids, and molars).udMaterials and methods: The length of 101 extracted human teeth was measured with threeuddifferent EALs (Endex, Propex II and Root ZX), with RVG and compared to the actual length.udExperimental procedures were performed using an endodontic training kit (Pro-Train).udResults: The statistical analysis showed that Endex and Propex II were more accurate than RootudZX in determining the working length (WL). The t-test showed no statistically significantuddifference of accuracy between the two radiographic planes examined. The t-test showed noudsignificant difference between the three different K-file size measurements. EALs and RVG areudless accurate in anterior teeth.udConclusions: To prevent overestimation of the root canal length using the EALs tested, 1 mmudshould be subtracted from the measurement on the ‘‘APEX’’ mark. Instrument sizes did not affectudthe accuracy of EALs. EALs showed to be more accurate in determining the WL than RVG.ud 2011 Societa` Italiana di Endodonzia. Published by Elsevier Srl. All rights reserved.