Abstract
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the Apex Pointer EAL (Electronic Apex Locator) or the Propex EAL can give actual working length measurements in dry canals or canal irrigated with NaOCl, EDTA, or saline. Material and Methods: Thirty-one human premolar and incisor teeth with single roots were used in this study. To determine the actual working length, a number 10 K-file was progressed as far as the major foramen under a stereomicroscope. When the tip of the K-file was visible in the major apical foramen, a silicon stopper was immediately adjusted to the canal surface. The K-file was removed from the root canal and the distance between an endodontic ruler and the silicon stopper was measured. These measurements were selected as the control group. Then, measurements were performed with both the Propex EAL and Apex Pointer EAL under different conditions (dry, NaOCl, EDTA, and saline). A measurement was deemed unstable when the reading of the EAL did not remain stable for at least 5 seconds. The stable measurements were selected as the study group. Results: The rate of the accurate measurements with the Propex were 35% at ± 0.5 mm and 70% at ±1 mm in dry canals; 26% at ±0.5 mm and 58% at ±1 mm in canals with NaOCl; 58% at ± 0.5 mm and 90% at ±1 mm in canals with saline; and 26% at ±0.5 mm and 71% at ±1 mm in canals with EDTA. The rate of the with the actual measurements with the Apex Pointer were 35% at ±0.5 mm and 61% at ±1 mm in dry canals; 26% at ±0.5 mm and 45% at ±1 mm in canals with NaOCl; 45% at ±0.5 mm and 70% at ±1 mm in canals with saline; and 54% at ±0.5 mm and 80% at ±1 mm in canals with EDTA. None of the tested devices delivered an actual measurement of 100%. However, the differences between control and study groups in all samples were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Therefore, both the Propex EAL and Apex Pointer can be used safely to determine the actual working length
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