Root ZX Mini Research Articles

Evaluating Electromagnetic Interference of Communication Devices with Root ZX Mini Apex Locator

Introduction: The correct determination of working length is a critical factor in the success of endodontic treatment. Nowadays, the electronic apex locators (EALs) is more used because of their ease of use, high accuracy, and the uncertainty of other methods. Because EALs use the electronic method, it is likely that electromagnetic waves (EMWs) affect their performance. This study aims to investigate the possibility of this interference. Materials and Methods: The visual canal length (CL) of 12 maxillary incisors (Vertucci’s type I) was measured with a K-file and magnifying glass. Root ZX mini apex locator is used to measure CL in the absence/presence of EMWs in both the second (2G) and third generations (3G) of mobile communication network at the mode of ringing and conversation at direct contact and the distances of 25 and 50 cm. Results: The mean CL at presence of EMWs in all conditions and distances (by removing the conversation with 2G at direct contact group) were not significantly difference with CL and EAL and absence of investigated EMWs group (Repeated-Measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), P = 0.083). The indicator of EAL were unstable on apex sign at least 5 seconds for 5 teeth (41.7% of samples) in conversation with 2G at the direct contact group. Conclusion: EMWs of 2G and 3G not causes malfunctions of the Root ZX mini apex locator except conversation with 2G at the direct contact.

Assessment of Apical Anatomy with Reference to Accuracy of Working Length Determination Methods in Permanent Mandibular First Molars

The mandibular first molar (MFM) is considered a vital tooth in establishing occlusion in the permanent dentition. As it is a tooth prone to caries its morphology is vital in restorative, endodontic and surgical aspects in dentistry. Accurate working length (WL) determination is considered an essential for the success of root canal therapy. Methods of WL estimation include detecting the apical constriction by tactile means (apical boundness), using a periapical radiograph or by means of an electronic apex locator (EAL). The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of different WL assessment methods in comparison to the actual length of the tooth assessed by visualising the apical constriction of MFMs. Access cavities were prepared in 188 extracted permanent MFMs, mounted on alginate and suitable K-file was passed though each root canal to determine the apical constriction. WL was determined with a third generation apex locator with a proven accuracy (Root ZX Mini J Moritacorp. Japan). These teeth were assessed both with analog and digital radiography to assess the position of the files on the radiograph. Finally the teeth were assessed with a 2.5X magnification to visually locate the apical constriction (actual length) of each root canal. The mean actual length of mesio-buccal canal was 20.06mm, mesio-lingual canal was 19.97 mm, disto buccal canal was 19.81 mm and disto- lingual canal was 19.40 mm. Accuracy of EAL is 98.5%. There was no significant difference between the accuracies of 1st bound, film based and digital radiography. Thus the most accurate method in WL determination is the EAL.

Comparison of low versus full battery/charge conditions of electronic apex locators

Abstract Purpose: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the accuracy of Root ZX mini and Raypex 6 electronic apex locators (EAL) in low versus full battery/charge conditions. Material and methods: Twenty-seven extracted human mandibular incisor teeth with mature apices were used in this study. Access cavities were prepared and all specimens were numbered. #10 K file was introduced into the root canal until its tip was visualized at the apical foramen and the actual working length (AWL) was determined..The EALs; battery-powered Root ZX mini (J. Morita Corp, Tokyo, Japan) and rechargeble Raypex 6 (VDW, Munich, Germany) are used in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions. The electronic working length (EWL) measurement differences with Root ZX mini and Raypex 6 in low and full battery/charge conditions were compared among the groups. Statistical analyses were performed by the Kruskal–Wallis test . Results: No significant difference was observed between low and full charge condition of Raypex 6 groups. Although there was no significant difference between Root ZX with full battery and Raypex 6 with full charge conditions, contrary root ZX mini with low battery showed significant differences in comparison with the other groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: Although the low battery condition of the EAL may cause deviations in measurements, the accuracy of the both battery powered and charged EALs presents acceptable results in low and full battery/charge conditions within the ±1 mm tolerance range. Nevertheless the low battery condition of the EAL may cause deviations in measurements. Key words: electronic apex locator, Raypex 6, root ZX mini, working length

Comparison of accuracy of Root ZX II and Root ZX Mini in presence of various irrigants: an in vitro study

Aim: Comparison of the effect of QMix, 7% maleic acid and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite on the accuracy of Root ZX II and Root ZX Mini apex locator. Methodology: 45 single rooted teeth were decoronated. Patency was checked and coronal flaring was done. They were then divided into 3 groups: i) QMix, ii) 7% Maleic acid and iii) 2.5% Sodium hypochlorite. The actual length of each tooth was determined before embedding them in an alginate model. 5ml of the respective irrigant was introduced into the canal. Working length was measured with Root ZX and Root ZX Mini apex locators. For each sample, an average of a total of three readings was considered. Statistical analysis was performed using Anova, Two Way, Post hoc, Paired t-tests. Results: Group I (QMix) showed no statistically significant results. Group II (7% Maleic acid), showed statistically significant difference from the actual length with Root ZX Mini (p=0.002). Group III (2.5% sodium hypochlorite) showed statistically significant difference from the actual length with Root ZX II (p=0.04) and Root ZX Mini (p=0.0002). A statistically significant difference was seen in the readings by both the apex locators (p=0.005). Conclusion: QMix does not affect the accuracy of apex locators. Root ZX II is more accurate than Root ZX Mini in the presence of 7% maleic acid and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite.

Fusion Between Maxillary Premolar and A Supernumerary Tooth: A Rare Case Presentation.

Fusion Between Maxillary Premolar and A Supernumerary Tooth: A Rare Case Presentation.

Efficiency of 2 electronic apex locators on working length determination: A clinical study

Aims:The aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the clinical accuracy of two electronic apex locators (EALs).Materials and Methods:A total of 120 patients with 283 roots were randomized into three groups including, traditional radiographic method, EAL (Root ZX mini), and apex locating endodontic motor (VDW Gold) for working length (WL) determination. Root canals were instrumented to a size ProTaper F3 nickel titanium file. The obturation quality of matched tapered master cone (ProTaper F3) was determined for the accuracy of WL.Statistical Analysis Used:Descriptive statistics were expressed as numbers and percentages. Pearson Chi-square test was used to determine for differences between groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all tests.Results:There was no statistically significant difference between the three tested groups (P = 0.894).Conclusions:The success of both apex locators was similar to the radiographic WL determination technique.

The effects of six electronic apex locators on pacemaker function: an in vitro study

To assess the effects of six electronic apex locators (EALs) on pacemaker function in vitro. Six EALs (Mini Apex Locator®, Dentaport ZX®, Novapex®, Raypex5®, Root ZX mini®, and Justy II®) were tested for electromagnetic interference (EMI) with one pacemaker (Saint Jude Medical). The pacemaker, with a single electrode, was immersed in a saline solution bath adjusted to 400-800 hms to simulate the electrical resistance of the human body and to register the activity by the system. The pacemaker was tested with each of the EALs to analyse the presence of EMI with the EAL switched on, the EAL switched off and during EAL operation. Each series of tests began with a 15-second baseline recording (R0) and continued until all the recording conditions had been covered. The conditions were as follows: R1: recording with the lead of the EAL <2 cm from the tip of the electrode; R2: recording with the lead of the EAL <2 cm from the generator; R3: recording with the lead of the EAL <2 cm from the sensing arc; and R4: recording with the lead of the EAL 15 cm from the sensing arc. If any of the EALs produced interference, its characteristics were categorized. When the lead of the EAL was <2 cm from the tip of the electrode, the majority of the EALs tested produced only background noise. Only one (the Mini Apex Locator) resulted in EMI that was detected as false heart activity. When the EAL was <2 cm from the generator, just one EAL detected background noise (the Mini Apex Locator). When the EAL was <2 cm from the sensing arc or 15 cm from the sensing arc, the recordings were not affected by any of the EALs. There were no significant differences amongst the EALs analysed with respect to the production of EMI. EMI occurred when the EALs were placed close to the tip of the electrode and occasionally when close to the pacemaker; however, no EMI was detected when the EALs were placed near to or 15 cm from the sensing arc in this laboratory experimental model.

Comparison of accuracy of two electronic apex locators in the presence of various irrigants: An in vitro study

Aim:This study was designed to compare the accuracy of Root ZX and SybronEndo Mini, electronic apex locators (EALs), in the presence of various irrigants.Materials and Methods:Sixty extracted, single-rooted human teeth were decoronated and the root canals coronally flared. The actual length (AL) was assessed visually and teeth mounted in the gelatin model. The electronic length (EL) measurements were recorded with both EALs in the presence of 0.9% saline; 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), and 17% EDTA solution, at “0.5” reading on display. The differences between the EL and AL were compared.Results:The accuracy of EL measurement of Root ZX and Sybron Mini within±0.5 mm of AL was consistently high in the presence of NaOCl and found to be least with EDTA.Conclusion:EL measurements were shorter with 1% NaOCl, whereas longer with 2% CHX for both the devices. Sybron Mini was more accurate with 1% NaOCl and 2% CHX than Root ZX.

Evaluation of two compact electronic apex locators in the presence of different endodontic solutions

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of two compact electronic apex locators, the Root ZX mini and the Mini Apex Locator, in the presence of different endodontic solutions and to compare their performance to the Root ZX electronic apex locator. The sample consisted of 60 extracted single-rooted human teeth. Manufacturers’ recommendations were followed to operate each electronic apex locator to determine electronic length in the presence of 5.25% Sodium Hypochlorite, 2.625% Sodium Hypochlorite, 1.0% Sodium Hypochlorite, 0.9% NaCl, 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 Epinephrine, and 2% Chlorhexidine. The difference between the electronic (EL) and actual length (AL) was calculated. In addition, EL measurements were classified into three categories: “correct” (AL±0.5mm), “long” (>0.5mm from AL), “short” (<−0.5mm from AL). There were no statistically significant differences in the accuracy of each of the three apex locators in the presence of the six endodontic solutions used in this study. The Root ZX mini and the Mini Apex Locator had similar accuracy to the Root ZX in the presence of each endodontic solution. It is concluded that the Root ZX mini and Mini Apex Locator have similar accuracy to the Root ZX and that the function of the three apex locators was not affected by the type of endodontic solution used.

Effect of chloroform, orange solvent and eucalyptol on the accuracy of four electronic apex locators

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three retreatment solutions on the accuracy of four electronic apex locators, the Root ZX mini, the Mini Apex Locator, the Root ZX and the Elements Diagnostic Unit and Apex Locator. Forty extracted single-rooted human teeth were used in this study. The four electronic apex locators were operated according to the manufacturer's instructions to locate the 'apical constriction' in the presence of chloroform, orange solvent or eucalyptol in the canal. The accuracy of each apex locator was not affected by the type of retreatment solution present in the root canal. In addition, the accuracy of the four apex locators was similar in the presence of each of the tested solutions.

Effectiveness of four electronic apex locators to determine distance from the apical foramen

To evaluate the accuracy of four electronic apex locators (EAL) in the apical region (0-3 mm short of the foramen) and to compare the precision of the readings on the display with the real position of the file in the root canal. Twenty single-rooted extracted teeth with round root canals were used. The canal orifices were preflared, and the length to the major foramen was determined visually under a microscope. Canals were enlarged, so that a size 15 file fitted well inside the canal. Teeth were mounted in acrylic test tubes filled with physiologic saline solution. Electronic length was determined in the region between the major foramen and 3 mm short of it in 0.5 mm steps with the Dentaport ZX, Root ZX mini, Elements Diagnostic Unit and Apex Locator and Raypex 5 using files of size 10 and size 15. The data were analysed using linear regression between true length and EAL reading, Bland-Altman plots and nonparametric tests at a significance level of alpha = 0.05. The major foramen was detected by all EALs. With a measurement file positioned directly at the major foramen, meter readings were equivalent to a position 0.01-0.38 mm away. For the Dentaport ZX, a better accuracy using the size 15 file for the area 0-1.5 mm short of the apex was found. The differences in measurements between the two files were smaller for the other EALs. In linear regression, a good linearity for Dentaport ZX and Root ZX mini and moderate linearity for Elements Diagnostic Unit and Apex Locator and Raypex 5 were found. The slope of the measurement curve was too low (0.37-0.57) for the Raypex 5 and almost optimal for the Dentaport ZX (1.01-1.05). The Root ZX mini and the Elements Obturation Unit produced lower slope values and especially the Elements Obturation Unit revealed much higher SDs at the different measurement levels. Amongst the four EALs, the Dentaport ZX and Root ZX mini had the best agreement between true lengths and meter readings. For the Raypex 5, an interpretation of the colour-coded zones as distance to the foramen cannot be recommended and might lead to erroneous interpretations.