Performance of the Working Length Determination using Cone Beam Computed Tomography, Radiography and Electronic Apex Locator, in Comparisons to Actual Length

Abstract

Background: Determination of the working length (WL) is important on the success of the endodontic treatment. There are several techniques used for the determination of endodontic WL, whereas new technologies may include clinical practice and, therefore, they should be investigated. Objectives: The goal of the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) based investigation was to compare determination of the WL performance of the electronic apex locator (EAL), CBCT and digital radiography. Materials and Methods: Totally, 30 single rooted, freshly extracted permanent teeth were included. Root canal WL measurements were performed using actual length (AL), EAL, digital radiograph and CBCT. The percentages of ± 0.5 mm measures to the AL, among the experimental groups, were compared by using Chi-Squared and Fischer Exact tests. The statistical significance was determined at P < 0.05. Results: The CBCT was the most accurate method to evaluate the root canal WL, with accuracy of 70%. Accuracy for the apex locator and periapical radiograph were 40% and 30%, respectively. Conclusion: The CBCT may be safe to use in determining root canal WL. Because lower radiation dose, a pre-existing CBCT can be useful to detect the root canal WL more precisely.