Abstract
Objective: To assess, in vitro, the accuracy of MiniApex® for electronic working length (EWL) determination during three stages of root canal treatment/retreatment: EWL-1 (during treatment), EWL-2 (after filling removal), and EWL-3 (after reinstrumentation). Methods: EWL was determined when the MiniApex® display showed the green light at the ‘0.5’ mark and compared with radiographic findings. Results were classified as accurate when the file tip was located in a range of (1) 0.5 to 1.0 mm and (2) 0.5 to 2.0 mm from the radiographic apex, and as inaccurate when the file tip was outside that range of values. Means were compared between groups considering all values and only accurate measurements, for both tolerance limits. Results: MiniApex® was highly accurate at the larger tolerance range (0.5 2.0mm): 82.3% (EWL-1), 88.2% (EWL-2), and 91.1% (EWL-3). During root canal retreatment, EWL-3 provided more accurate measurements than EWL-2, but without statistical difference (p>0.05). There was no statistical difference (p>0.05) when only accurate measurements were evaluated. Conclusion: MiniApex® was highly accurate to determine the location of the instrument tip at 0.5 to 2.0mm from the radiographic apex during treatment and retreatment (EWL-2 and EWL-3).
Highlights
Information on the relationship between root canal retreatment and accuracy of electronic foramen locators (EFLs) is still scarce [1,2]
In the clinical practice of endodontics, electronic working length (EWL) determination is a challenge due to factors that might interfere with the EFL accuracy, such as the possibility of remaining filling material after removal of dental filling and/or modifications that may have occurred in the internal anatomy of the tooth [3]
Our main findings were (1) at higher tolerance ranges the percentage of EWL accurate measurements was higher; (2) during root canal retreatment, EWL after reinstrumentation gave more accurate measurements than EWL after filling removal, but without statistical difference; (3) inaccurate measurements were mostly observed at shorter measurements, compared to longer measurements; and (4) no statistical difference was found when only accurate measurements were evaluated across the three stages
Summary
Information on the relationship between root canal retreatment and accuracy of electronic foramen locators (EFLs) is still scarce [1,2]. Aiming at an adequate removal of filling materials, the ProTaper Universal rotary retreatment system has been recently investigated and considered safe and effective in reaching the working length during retreatment [4]. The use of this retreatment technique has been associated with different variables, such as solvent [5], file size and taper, reciprocating movement [6], and the influence of sealer type [7]. Root ZX® II and MiniApex® EFL proved useful and accurate for apex foramen location during root canal length measurement in primary incisors and molars [12]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
