The accuracy of the Raypex5 electronic apex locator using stainless-steel hand K-file versus nickel-titanium rotary Mtwo file

Abstract

Today many clinicians use both stainless-steel hand K-files and nickel- titanium rotary files during endodontic treatment. It is of great importance for the clinician to have confidence in the accuracy of an apex locator even if these files were used interchangeably. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Raypex5 electronic apex locator using stainless-steel hand K-file versus nickel-titanium rotary Mtwo file. Twenty straight and single canals of maxillary central teeth were used. Access cavities were prepared; actual working length were determined and compared with electronic working length obtained by means of apex locator Raypex5 using stainless-steel hand K-file and nickel-titanium rotary Mtwo file. Data was analyzed by paired T-test. There was no significant difference between 15/0.02 stainless-steel hand K- file and 10/0.04 NiTi rotary Mtwo file for the mean differences between actual and electronic working length (p=0.126). Under the conditions of this in-vitro study, Raypex5 registered more measurements in acceptable range using 15/0.02 stainless-steel hand K- file and 10/0.04 NiTi rotary Mtwo file. It is possible to use them interchangeably without compromising the working length.