Foramen In Teeth Research Articles

Clinical accuracy of two electronic apex locators in teeth with large periapical lesions

To evaluate in vivo the accuracy of two electronic apex locators (EALs) in determining the position of the apical foramen of teeth with large periapical lesions and persistent intracanal exudate. Thirty-three maxillary anterior teeth assigned for periapical surgery were selected. Following the preparation of standard endodontic access cavities, electronic working lengths were determined using the ProPex and Apex Pointer apex locators. During endodontic surgery, the actual root canal length of each tooth was measured by positioning a K-file at the most coronal border of the major foramen. Root canal treatments combined with apical surgery were then completed. Data were analysed with paired t-tests. ProPex and Apex Pointer were accurate (within ± 0.5mm) 97% and 94% of the time. No significant differences were detected between the apex locators (P=0.325). Despite the presence of exudate in the root canals, the position of the major foramen in teeth with large periapical lesions can be determined with high level of precision either by ProPex or Apex Pointer. Both EALs can be used safely in working length determination of teeth with large periapical lesions, which have persistent intracanal exudate.

Accuracy of Root ZX II in Locating Foramen in Teeth with Apical Periodontitis: An In Vivo Study

Introduction This study was conducted in vivo to investigate the accuracy of Root ZX II in locating the apical foramen in teeth with apical periodontitis (AP). Methods Twenty-seven single-root teeth scheduled for extractions were selected; in AP group, there were 12 teeth with pulp necrosis and radiographic evidence of apical lesions, and VT group consisted of 15 vital teeth. After endodontic access, the coronal portion of the canal was flared, and electronic measurement was performed by using a 15 K-file until the device level reading “APEX” was reached. The file was fixed in place, and the tooth was extracted. The apical third of the root was shaved until exposure of the file. The distance from the file tip to the most coronal border of the apical foramen was obtained. Results The mean distance in AP group was +0.117 (standard deviation, 0.373) and in VT group was –0.105 (standard deviation, 0.218). The unpaired t test showed no difference between the groups when comparing the mean distances ( P > .05). The apical foramen was accurately located within ±0.5 mm in 83% of the teeth in AP group and in 100% of VT group. Statistical analysis showed no difference between the groups ( P = .1092). Conclusions The Root ZX II device was accurate in locating the apical foramen regardless of the presence of AP.

Investigation of Apex Locators and Related Morphological Factors

Introduction The purpose of this study was to investigate the ability of three electronic apex locators (EALs) to detect the minor foramen and morphological influencing factors relative to working length determination. Methods Three hundred fifty-six extracted teeth were decoronated, and the coronal portion of the canal was flared. The distance between the major foramen and the file tips (DMFF) was determined by different EALs. The relationship between the DMFFs determined by the EAL and the morphological features of the root apex was analyzed by linear regression analysis. Results The average DMFFs were 0.261mm, 0.376 mm, and 0.383 mm for the Root ZX (J. Morita, Kyoto, Japan), Raypex 5 (VDW, Munich, Germany), and Elements Apex Locator (SybronEndo, Anaheim, CA), respectively. The file tips determined by EALs were much closer to the major foramen in teeth with a “lateral major foramen” (p < 0.001). The area and diameters of the minor foramen were significantly related to the variation of the DMFFs determined by EALs. Conclusion When the “minor foramen” reading was given, the file tip connected to the Root ZX was much closer to the major foramen than the other two EALs. The minor foramen's morphology and the major foramen's location were both important influencing factors on the performance of EALs.

A device for controlling obturation of the apical foramen of teeth

A device for controlling obturation of the apical foramen of teeth