INFLUENCE OF PULP CONDITION ON THE ACCURACY OF ROOT ZX ELECTRONIC APEX LOCATOR

Abstract

 The objective of this study was comparison between digital radiography as the conventional method and Root ZX electronic apex locator (EAL) in measurement of root canal length in primary anterior teeth, and to clinically assess the influence of pulp status (vital or necrotic pulp) on the accuracy of Root ZX EAL. Thirty-five maxillary primary anterior teeth indicated for pulpectomy in 19 healthy pediatric dental patients were selected for the study. Electronic canal measurements were done using Root ZX electronic apex locator with file in place, and radiographs were taken to confirm the correct working length. Radiographic measurements were obtained by measuring the root canal length through digital ruler in Romexis software (Planmeca, 4.5.2.R). Root canals were cleaned, irrigated, dried, obturated and teeth restored. Considering that the clinically acceptable error tolerance of 0.5 mm, 48.6% (17/35) canals showed acceptable differences between the two measurements. There was no significant (P>.05) effect of pulp condition on the measurement accuracy of Root ZX (EAL). Root ZX (EAL) could be used as an adjunct tool to radiographs during root canal therapy in primary anterior teeth.