Propex Pixi Research Articles

Evaluation of efficiency of modern applicators

Based on a review of the current literature and a survey of dentists, the following applicators were selected: Ipex (Nsk), Propex pixi (Dentsply), AirPex (Eighteeth), NanoEst (Geosoft), Raypex 6 (VDW). As a result of a retrospective study, the most effective work was shown by the applicator Propex pixi(Dentsply) – 96%, the device showed the least efficiency – AirPex(Eighteeth) – 80%.

Comparative evaluation of the accuracy of six different apex locators in working length determination of molars using intraoral periapical radiographs: An in vivo study.

One of the crucial steps in endodontic treatment is determining the working length (WL). There are various methods for performing this procedure, one of which is an electronic apex locator (EAL) measurement. The aim of this study was to determine the accuracy of six EALs, i.e.. Root ZX, Root ZX Mini, Propex PiXi, Innvopex-1, Woodpex III, and Raypex 6 for WL estimation in the mandibular first molars. The study included 180 root canals with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis, divided into six groups using different apex locators. WL determination was compared with intraoral periapical radiographs. Results were categorized as accurate, short, or long. The data were statistically analyzed. ROOT ZX had an accuracy of 96.7%, Root ZX Mini had an accuracy of 93.3%, PiXi had an accuracy of 90.0%, Innvopex-1 had an accuracy of 90.0%, Woodpex III had an accuracy of 86.7%, and Raypex 6 had an accuracy of 83.4%, respectively. There was a statistically nonsignificant difference between groups (P < 0.05). Newly developed apex locators, such as the Innvopex-1, have shown accuracy comparable to well-established EALs like the Root ZX. This highlights the importance of conducting more extensive, large-scale research to confirm and validate their effectiveness.

The ability of working length determination of the electronic apex locator Propex Pixi in the presence of various irrigants - an in vitro study

Background: To achive success in endodontic treatment, the clinicians have to completely control the depth of penetration of instruments inside the root canal called the working length. Determining the working length by using electronic apex loactors have been increasingly popular and gradually become an indispensable tool in endodontics. The purposes of this study was to compare the working length determined by Propex Pixi with the actual canal length as well as evaluate the effect of various intracanal irrigants on the accuracy of Propex Pixi. Materials and method: 45 human incisors extracted for periodontal reasons were selected for this in vitro study. Standard access preprations were prepared, then digital Caliper was used to meassure the actual root canal length. Teeth were imbedded in alginate model. The working length was determined by using the Propex Pixi in the presence of different irrigant solutions: distilled water, 2.5% NaOCl and 2% Chlorhexidine. The working length meassurements obtained with Propex Pixi were compaired with the actual root canal length and then evaluating the effect of irrigation solutions on the accuracy of Propex Pixi. Results: There was no significant differences between the actual canal length and the WL determined by Propex Pixi (p &gt; 0.05). Root canal irrigants has no effect on the accuracy of Propex Pixi. Conclusion: There was no significant differences between actual root canal length with the measurements obtained by Propex Pixi. The accuracy of Propex Pixi was not affected by the irrigants used. Key words: working length, electronic apex locator, Propex Pixi.

Ex-vivo Evaluation of the Accuracy of Three Different Apex Locators in the Presence of Sodium Hypochlorite in Root Canals

Objective: To evaluate the precision of three endodontic apex locators-Propex Pixi, Woodpex III, and VDW Gold Reciproc-in vitro and under clinical conditions. Materials and Methods: Thirty-six single-rooted teeth were decoranated, and actual root canal lengths were measured and recorded with an operating microscope at x20 magnification. The teeth were then embedded in an ex-vivo model, and the measurement of the root canal length was obtained electronically. Each measurement was performed in triplicate, and the mean value was recorded. Data were analyzed statistically. Two paired sample t-tests were used for normally distributed data, and the Wilcoxon test was used for data that did not show normal distribution. A chi-squared test was used to compare categorical variables according to the experimental groups. Results: Woodpex III showed significantly more accurate results than the other apex locators. Propex Pixi and VDW Gold Reciproc apex locators showed no significant difference. Conclusions: Under the circumstances of the present study, Woodpex III allowed for more accurate measurements compared with the other tested devices.

Performance of two different electronic apex locators during the removal of calcium silicate-based sealers

Aim: The aim of this in vitro study is to evaluate the accuracy of Root ZX and Propex Pixi during the retreatment of root canals obturated with different calcium silicate-based root canal sealers. Methodology: Root canals of ninety human premolar teeth were shaped with ProTaper universal rotary files up to size F2 under 5.25% NaOCl irrigation for the present study. Root canal filling was carried out by lateral condensation technique using with gutta-percha and sealers; MTA Fillapex, CeraSeal or AH Plus. After seven days, the obturating materials were removed using D-Race files. While actual working length was recorded by direct observation, electronic working lengths were determined by Propex Pixi or Root ZX for tolerance limits of 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm. Data were analyzed using Shapiro Wilk, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p &lt; 0.05). Results: The performance of Propex Pixi and Root ZX was found to be statistically similar and did not differ on the root canals filled with different root canal sealers (p &lt; 0.05). Propex Pixi and Root ZX demonstrated more accurate measurements in the range of ±1 mm compared to ±0.5 mm in all groups, regardless of the type of root canal sealer used when filling the root canals before retreatment (p &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: Root ZX and Propex Pixi can be used confidently in the retreatment of the root canals in which CeraSeal, MTA Fillapex, and AH Plus are used as sealers. How to cite this article: Göçer PA, Durmazpınar PM, Baştürk FB. Performance of two different electronic apex locators during the removal of calcium silicate-based sealers. Int Dent Res 2023;13(S1):20-25. https://doi.org/10.5577/idr.2023.vol13.s1.3 Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.

IN VITRO COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FOUR ELECTRONIC APEX LOCATORS IN DETECTING APICAL CONSTRICTION

Objective: Minor constriction which is the narrowest diameter is considered to be the appropriate apical limit of endodontic treatment. Apex locators provide greater precision, fewer procedural errors, less discomfort to the patient during measurement of working length. The aim of this article is to compare the accuracy of four electronic apex locators in detecting the apical constriction using histological sections as the gold standard. 80 Materials and Methods: extracted single-rooted permanent teeth were selected and coronally flattened for stable reference point. Access cavity was prepared and canal patency was checked. Samples were embedded in alginate upto cemento-enamel junction. Working length was determined with the apex locators. A 15 K file adjusted to that reading was placed in the root canal and stabilized with flowable composite. Apical 4 mm of root was longitudinally sectioned and the position of the file in relation to the minor constriction was recorded for each tooth under stereomicroscope at 40X magnification. Chi-square test was carried out to test the difference in accuracy at various levels from the minor foramen. Kruskal Wallis Test was carried out to compare the differences between the study groups for the distance from the tip of the file relative to the minor foramen (P&lt;0.05). Measurements of mean working lengths within ±0.5 mm of minor diameter were 8 Results: 5% acceptable for CanalPro followed by Root ZX Mini (80%) and Propex Pixi (80%) and the least by DPEX V (65%). Conclusion: Accuracy of these instruments for detecting the minor diameter is acceptable for clinical practice

Clinical Accuracy and Precision of 3 Multifrequency Electronic Apex Locators Assessed through Micro–Computed Tomographic Imaging

IntroductionThis study aimed to compare the in vivo accuracy and precision of 3 electronic apex locators (EALs) in determining the position of the major foramen using micro–computed tomographic (micro-CT) technology. MethodsAfter access preparation of 23 necrotic or vital teeth from 5 patients, canals were negotiated, and hand files were used to determine the position of the foramen with 3 EALs: Propex Pixi (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland), Woodpex III (Woodpecker Medical Instrument Co, Guilin, China), and Root ZX II (J Morita, Tokyo, Japan). After fixing the silicon stop to the file, teeth were extracted and scanned in a micro-CT device with and without the instrument inserted into the canal. Data sets were coregistered, and the accuracy and precision of the EALs were determined at a tolerance level of ±0.5 mm by measuring the distance from the tip of the instruments to a tangential line crossing the margins of the foramen. Statistical comparisons were performed using Friedman with post hoc related samples sign and Spearman tests (α = 5%). ResultsA significant difference was detected comparing the accuracy of Root ZX II (100%), Woodpex III (86.96%), and Propex Pixi (52.17%) (P < .05). There was a lack of significance in the relationship between the pulp status and the accuracy of the tested EALs (P > .05). Propex Pixi was significantly less precise than Root ZX II (P < .05), whereas no difference was found between Woodpex III and Root ZX II or Propex Pixi (P > .05). ConclusionsEALs presented similar precision, but Woodpex III and Root ZX II showed better accuracy to determine the position of the apical major foramen than Propex Pixi.

Süt Molarlarda Dört Farklı Apeks Bulucunun Doğruluğu: Bir İn Vitro Çalışma

Objective: The aim of this study is to compare and evaluate the accuracy of 4 different electronic apex locators (EALs) (Root ZX Mini, Raypex 6, Propex Pixi, and E-Pex Pro) in primary molars with and without root resorption. Material and Methods: Forty-eight mandibular primary molar teeth with (24 teeth) and without (24 teeth) physiological root resorption, each with 4 root canals, were included in the study (96 canals in with resorption group and 96 canals in without resorption group) (n=192 root canals). The actual working length (AWL) was determined by subtracting 0.5 mm from the measured length for each canal. The differences between AWL and electronic working length readings of the 4 EALs and accuracy rates within specified tolerance intervals (TI; ±0.5 and ±1.0 mm) were calculated. Results: The presence of resorption in the teeth significantly affected the measurement using Root ZX Mini (p<0.05). In teeth without resorption, all EALs yielded an accuracy rate of 100% at ±1.0 mm TI, whereas the accuracy rates ranged from 91.7% to 95.8% at ±0.5 mm TI. In teeth with resorption, EALs yielded accuracy rates of 74.0%-65.6% at ±1.0 mm TI and 52.1%- 60.4% at ±0.5 mm TI. Conclusion: At ±0.5 mm TI, Raypex 6 had greater accuracy in teeth without root resorption, whereas Propex Pixi had greater accuracy in teeth with root resorption. Apex locator preference may vary depending on the presence or absence of resorption.

An effective artificial testing model to reliability experiments for electronic apex locator devices used in endodontic practice.

This experimental study aimed to investigate the reliability of using electronic apex locator devices to determine the working length of artificial root canals. The experiments were performed using resin endoblocks and mandibular canine teeth (n = 20/group). After the same working length of root canal samples was provided, the teeth and artificial root canals were embedded in an alginate mold. The measurements with Root ZX® and Propex Pixi® apex locators were performed and recorded. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (SPSS V23; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, USA) and the variance was set at P < 0.05. There was no significant difference between the groups; mean distance from the actual working length using different apex locators (P = 0.633, P = 0.474), and endpoint positioning distributions (P = 0.591). The results indicate that the artificial model could be a laboratory method of determining the accuracy of apex locators and efficient calibration of devices before their clinical use.

To Evaluate the Accuracy Between Two Different Electronic Apex Locators to Detect the Root Canal Perforation During Retreatment - An Ex-Vivo Study

Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy between two different electronic apex locators in detecting the root canal perforation in the middle and apical portion during retreatment. Methods: Sixty freshly extracted mandibular premolars were taken in to this study, which were divided into three groups of twenty each. Group I: Control Group, Group II: Positive control without perforation, Group III: Negative control with perforation. In all the groups, access cavity preparation was done followed by cleaning and shaping using X smart Endomotor and Protaper Gold file system (Dentsply Maillefer, Switzerland). The specimens were prepared such that perforation was made in group III on the mesial side of the root at middle portion approximately 5mm from the apex after determining working length by direct visualization and stored for the database. All the specimens were obturated by using AH plus sealer and F3 Protaper gold gutta percha points and later stored in incubator at temperature of 37°C for 7days. After 7 days, gutta percha was removed from group III samples using gutta percha solvent (Xylene), Neo-Endo retreatment files. These teeth were mounted on Protrain Endodontic training kit (Simit Dental, Italy) and perforation were detected using apex locators Dentaport Root ZX (J,Morita) and Propex Pixi (Dentsply Maillefer, Switzerland). The apical perforation were made at a distance 2mm from apex after the middle perforation were restored by using Type II GIC by keeping the 35 K file inside the canal and apical perforations were detected and the reading were recorded and stored for the database. Statistical Analysis: The data obtained were analyzed by using descriptive statistics, ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), Paired t test through SPSS for window (version 22.0). Findings: In case of middle third perforation of the root canal Dentaport Root ZX showed accuracy of 87.37% and Propexpixi 82.89%. In apical perforations the accuracies of Root ZX and Propex Pixi are 89.28% and 79.76% respectively. In the both the perforations, there was a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). In both the perforations, Dentaport Root ZX showed more accuracy in detecting the perforation when compared with Propex Pixi apex locator. Novelty : This study provides a novel approach as it compares the accuracy between the Dentaport Root Zx and Propex Pixi in detection of middle and apical perforation during retreatment in Ex Vivo study. Keywords: Dentaport root ZX; Electronic apex locator (EAL); Propex pixi; Protrain endodontic training kit; Root canal perforation

Accuracy of different electronic apex locators in determination of minimum Root perforation diameter.

This study aims to evaluate the ability of Raypex 6, Propex Pixi, Dentaport ZX, Apex ID, Propex II and Dr.'s Finder NEO to detect minimum root canal perforation diameter. One hundred single-rooted, extracted human teeth were artificially perforated by 5 burs in different diameters (0.25-1.25 mm) in 5 mm above the apex. Twenty teeth were assigned to each group. The actual canal lengths (AL) were measured under stereomicroscope followed by a measurement of electronic canal length (EL) using each electronic apex locator (EAL). None of the EALs were able to detect the perforation at diameters of 0.50 and 0.25 mm. Although all EALs used in our study were unable to detect perforations at diameters of 0.5 mm and 0.25 mm, they were highly successful in the determination of simulated root perforations at diameters of 1.25, 1 and 0.75 mm.

Kök Uçları Farklı Açılarda Rezeke Edilmiş Dişlerin Cerrahi Olmayan Yeniden Tedavilerinde 3 Elektronik Apeks Bulucunun Doğruluğu: In-Vitro Çalışma

Aim: The accuracy of three electronic apex locators (EALs) during retreatment of root-end resected teeth with different resection bevel angles were evaluated in the present study. Materials and Methods: Forty mandibular premolar teeth were divided into two groups regarding resection bevel angle after root canal filling. In the first group, the apical 3 mm of each specimen was resected at a 0-degree bevel angle using a diamond bur. The resection bevel angle was approximately 45-degree in the second group. Electronic length measurements were obtained with a size 15 K-file advanced apically in dissolved gutta percha using Dentaport ZX, Propex Pixi, and Apit 15. The filling materials were then completely removed from the root canals, and the actual lengths up to the resection region were determined. The actual length was subtracted from the electronic length measurements for each specimen. Measurements were analyzed statistically using independent sample t-test, repeated-measures analysis of variance, and Bonferroni tests. The level of statistical significance was defined as P&amp;lt;0.05. Results: In the 45-degree group, a significant difference was found between Propex Pixi and Apit 15. Measurements at 0- and 45-degree resection bevel angles were not statistically different from each other in any EAL groups. Conclusions: The resection bevel angle did not affect the accuracy of the tested EALs. More accurate measurements were obtained with the Propex Pixi at a 45-degree resection bevel angle compared with the Apit 15.

Comparison of the Accuracies of CBCT, Radiography, and Four Electronic Apex Locators in Working Length Determination

Background: One of the significant stages during endodontic procedures is determining the correct working length (WL). This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of four electronic apex locators (EALs) (Root ZX mini, Raypex 6, Propex Pixi, and E-Pex Pro) and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and radiographic measurement in determining the actual WL (A-WL). Methods: Thirty extracted single-root mandibular premolars were selected and flattened at the crown. The WL was determined by advancing the #15 K file until its tip was visible from the apical, and the A-WL was established by subtracting 0.5 mm from this length. The WL was also determined using periapical radiography, four EALs, and CBCT. The differences in all measurements were compared with the A-WL. The data were statistically analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (Welch) and Tamhane’s test. The significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results: Compared with other measurement methods, CBCT gave shorter values than the A-WL, and this finding was statistically significant compared with those of the PR and Propex Pixi groups (p = 0.009) (p = 0.024). No significant difference was observed between the other groups (p > 0.05) except the CBCT group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Root ZX mini and Raypex 6 made measurements close to the A-WL.

Accuracy of Four Apex Locators in Premolars with Root Resorption: An In vitro Study.

The aim of the present in vitro study was to compare the accuracy of the working length measurements of four foramen locators: Root ZX mini, Raypex 6, Woodpex III and Propex Pixi in uniradicular premolars with simulated root resorption. For this study, 30 single-rooted permanent premolars were selected. The samples were divided into two groups: 15 teeth with simulated external root resorption and 15 teeth with internal resorption. Each sample was immersed in containers with alginate covering only the root part. Measurements were acquired from the four foramen locators and compared with the working length measurements that have been previously obtained with the direct visual technique and the use of a Digital USB Microscope under 5×. Next, the Shapiro-Wilk normality test was applied. The ANOVA test and t-test for related samples were performed, in order to analyze the measurements obtained. In the teeth with external resorption, no statistically significant differences in the measurements were obtained with Raypex 6 and Propex Pixi foramen locators, but there were statistically significant differences with Root ZX mini and Woodpex III Root Zx mini [Root Zx mini (P=0.040) and Woodpex III (P=0.000)]. On the other hand, in the samples with internal root resorption, there were no statistically significant differences in measurements with the Root ZX mini, Propex Pixi and Raypex 6 foramen locators. However, there were significant differences with Woodpex III. Based on this in vitro study, Raypex 6 had the highest accuracy in premolars with simulated external resorption and Root ZX mini was the most accurate in teeth with simulated internal resorption. Furthermore, external root resorption affects the accuracy of foramen locators more than internal resorption.

Assessment of accuracy of three different generations of electronic apex locators in different environments of root canal system: An in vitro study

Background: Endodontic treatment encompasses cleaning, shaping, disinfection, and three-dimensional obturation of entire accurate length of root canal system. Hence, accurate determination of working length plays very important role for clinical success of endodontic treatment. Objectives: To assess the accuracy of three different generations of electronic apex locators (EALs) in different environments of root canal system. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was done in 60 single-rooted mandibular premolars for three months from 2021/12/21 to 2021/03/18 at Kantipur Dental College. Non-carious teeth were collected (excluded if more than one canal) by convenience sampling after ethical clearance. Access opening with occlusal reduction of cusp tips were performed. Before, electronic measurement of root canal length, reference length: Actual Length (AL) was recorded. Samples were divided into four groups with different environment (I = dry Canal; II = 3% NaOCl; III = 2% CHX; IV = blood Plasma) with 15 samples each. Electronic measurements were obtained using all three EALs: Rootor (fourth generation), Propex Pixi (fifth generation), and Apex ID (sixth generation). Recorded AL was compared with value obtained with EALs and their differences were tabulated with Microsoft Excel. Results: Accuracy in working length measurement by Rootor was 80%, 80%, 60%, 53.3%, Propex Pixi was 46.7%, 80%, 86.7%, and 100% and Apex ID was 100%, 93.3%, 86.7%, 100% in Group I, Group II, Group III, and Group IV respectively of AL. Conclusion: Accuracy of Rootor was high in dry canal, Propex Pixi in moist environment whereas, Apex ID in both dry canal and moist environment.

Comparison of the accuracy of different electronic apex locators used in working length determination via changing of initial cleaning solutions

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy of the Root ZX Mini, Raypex 6, E-Pex Pro, and Propex Pixi electronic apex locators by changing the initial cleaning solutions (NaOCl vs. EDTA).&#x0D; Methodology: Eighty mandibular premolar teeth were used. Radiographs were obtained from the mesio-distal and bucco-lingual angles for all teeth, and teeth with suspected external or internal root resorption and/or calcified canals were not included in the study. The true canal lengths of the teeth were determined with a precision of 0.01 mm with a stereomicroscope at x5 magnification by placing a #20 K-type canal file into the root canal. The samples were then embedded in freshly mixed alginate blocks up to the cemento-enamel junction. The coronal 1/3 was pre-enlarged with a Protaper SX instrument. Electronic apex finders (Root ZX Mini, Raypex 6, E-Pex Pro, Propex Pixi) specified on each tooth were used, and measurements were made by changing the initial solutions (NaOCl vs. EDTA). Distilled water was used between application of 5.25% NaOCl and 17% EDTA to prevent chemical interactions. Three measurements were taken for each tooth, and the average of these 3 measurements was taken as reference. The data obtained in this study were analyzed.&#x0D; Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the solutions in terms of the measurement values and actual length values found by each device (p&gt;0.05). Although there were no statistically significant differences, the deviation from the actual measurement was greater when EDTA solution was used than when NaOCl solution was used. In addition, although the difference was not found to be statistically significant, the deviation from the actual measurement was found to be highest when the Root ZX mini device was used with NaOCl and EDTA solution.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the difference in the initial washing solutions did not affect the EAL devices in making measurements close to the true length.&#x0D; &#x0D; How to cite this article: Tellioğlu Avcı GR, Kaya S Comparison of the accuracy of different electronic apex locators used in working length determination via changing of initial cleaning solutions. Int Dent Res 2021;11(Suppl.1):56-62. https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.2021.vol11.suppl1.9&#x0D; &#x0D; Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.&#x0D;

Comparison of the accuracy of three different electronic apex locators used in root canals enlarged in different apical diameters

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of three apex locators in enlarged teeth with different apical diameters using files that are compatible and incompatible with the apical diameters.&#x0D; Methodology: Sixty lower premolars were used in this study. The actual canal length was determined with a stereo microscope, and the teeth were divided into three different groups (G25, G40 and G50).&#x0D; The teeth in G25, G40 and G50 were enlarged in actual canal length with apical diameters of 0.25, 0.40 and 0.50 mm using hand files and Reciproc R25, R40, and R50, respectively. In the electronic measurements, a #15 hand file was used in each group, and #25, #40 and #50 hand files that were compatible with the apical diameters of the teeth in the groups were used. An alginate model was created with enlarged teeth. The electronic working length was determined for each tooth using Root ZX Mini, Raypex 6, and Propex Pixi electronic apex locators (EALs).&#x0D; Results: Electronic measurement results that were shorter by 0.50 mm or longer by 0.05 mm than the actual length were considered unsuccessful; otherwise, they were deemed successful. Analysis of variance was used to evaluate the accuracy of the EALs with different files in the same apical diameter. For the different apical diameters, the chi-square exact test was used to evaluate the accuracy effect of using files that were incompatible with each apical diameter. The level of significance was p &gt; 0.05.&#x0D; In all the groups, the measured lengths were closer to the actual canal length with the use of #25, #40 and #50 hand files that were compatible with the apical diameters. However, there was no significant difference between the measurements with the #15 hand file (p &gt; 0.05).&#x0D; According to the electronic measurement results made with the #15 hand file in teeth with 0.25, 0.40 and 0.50 apical diameters, the use of a file that was incompatible with the apical diameter did not have a significant effect on accuracy (p &gt; 0.05).&#x0D; Conclusion: The use of a file that is compatible with the apical diameter of the tooth in the determination of the working length with measurement of EALs close to the actual canal length. The accuracy of EALs is not affected by the file size in electronic measurements with file sizes smaller than the apical diameter in teeth with apical diameters up to 0.50 mm.&#x0D; &#x0D; How to cite this article: Öz H, Adıgüzel Ö, Kaya S. Comparison of the accuracy of three different electronic apex locators used in root canals enlarged in different apical diameters. Int Dent Res 2021;11(Suppl.1):12-8. https://doi.org/10.5577/intdentres.2021.vol11.suppl1.3&#x0D; &#x0D; Linguistic Revision: The English in this manuscript has been checked by at least two professional editors, both native speakers of English.&#x0D;

Endodontic length measurements using cone beam computed tomography with dedicated or conventional software at different voxel sizes

The aim of this study is to investigate the accuracies and the agreements of the 3D Endo software, conventional CBCT software Romexis Viewer at three voxel sizes, and the EAL ProPex Pixi in endodontic length measurements. Three hundred and twenty-nine root canals in 120 intact human extracted molars were accessed. The actual lengths (AL) and electronic lengths (EL) were measured using the ruler and electronic apex locator (EAL), respectively. Teeth were scanned using the CBCT at different voxel sizes (0.075, 0.10, and 0.15 mm). Root canal lengths were measured using 3D Endo with proposed length (3D-PL) by software, corrected length (3D-CL), Romexis Viewer. The Fisher’s exact test, paired t-test and Bland–Altman plots were calculated to detect the agreements of the four methods with AL measurements. The ProPex Pixi measurements obtained the highest accuracy in the range of ± 0.5 mm. There was agreement between the 3D-PL and the 3D-CL with AL measurements at voxel size of 0.15 mm and at voxel size of 0.10 mm, respectively. The CBCT Romexis Viewer measurements agreed with AL at three voxel sizes. The conventional CBCT measurements using Romexis Viewer and dedicated software did not reach to the 100% accuracy in the range of ± 0.5 mm.

Comparative assessment of a new electronic apex locator and radiographic measurement of root length in primary teeth: An in-vitro study.

Background: The success of pulpectomy relies upon exact measurement of root length. Traditionally, radiographs were the main tools for measuring root length; however, they have several limitations. Hence, Electronic apex locators have become popular these days. Aim and objective: To assess the efficiency of Propex Pixi and traditional radiographic method in measuring the root length of single rooted primary teeth. Materials and Methods: Thirty extracted human single rooted primary teeth were selected randomly. In-vivo environment was simulated by inserting tooth sample in alginate and the root length was determined by using Propex Pixi. Secondly, the root length was determined by conventional radiographic method and finally the exact root length was measured by direct visual method. Statistical analysis: The obtained data was assessed using Student paired ‘t’ test, intra-class correlation coefficient and regression analysis. Results: The study showed no significant difference between Propex Pixi and radiographic method(p=0.280). Both the electronic and radiographic methods displayed a high equivalence and compliance R=0.947 and R=0.826 with the actual measurement. Conclusions: Propex Pixi was as effective as radiographic method in measuring the root length of primary teeth. However, regression analysis showed that Propex Pixi can anticipate the exact value with 94.3% accuracy and radiographic method with 67.2% accuracy.

The accuracy of electronic apex locators for determining working length: An invitro study with artificial teeth.

This study aimed to determine the accuracy of four electronic apex locators (EALs) (I-Root, Propex Pixi, Novapex and Bassi iRoot Apex), using artificial mandibular and maxillary permanent molars. The root length (RL) from 40 artificial teeth was initially determined with Kerr hand files. Then, the electronic RL were obtained for the same root canals with each EAL, and the results were compared with those obtained using hand files. The accuracy of the EALs was determined through analysis of the divergences observed in relation to the lengths obtained with files. All EALs were effective for determining the RL in the artificial teeth, showing results similar to those obtained by hand. The Bassi iRoot Apex had higher accuracy (96.7%) than the Propex Pixi (89.1%) and Novapex (85.8%) (P<0.05). Based on the results, all EALs tested had a similar performance, and artificial teeth may be used to determine the accuracy of these devices.