Halima Sadia Qazi, Anser Maxood, Saeeda Abdullah.
Comparison of radiographic and electronic working length in anterior teeth.
Pak Oral Dental J Jan ;27(1):31-4.

The aim of this study was to compare the endodontic working length of anterior teeth by electronic apex locator and conventional radiographic method to determine the accuracy and reliability of latest generation electronic apex locator (Sybron Endo). The study was carried out in the dental department of Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences, Islamabad from April 2004 to January 2005. The use of electronic devices to determine working length has gained increasing popularity in the recent years particularly after introduction of latest generation of apex locators. An in vivo study was conducted on 30 permanent single rooted anterior teeth that were indicated for root canal treatment. First the working length was taken by electronic apex locator followed by conventional radiographic (Ingle’s method). After recording both measurements, the difference between the two results were compared to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy and ability of an electronic apex locator for accurate determination of working length. In 23 among 30 root canals, (76.6%) electronic measurement coincided with the radiographic measurements. In 4 cases (13.3%) it was short of radiographic measurements by 0.5mm. Both these results were considered acceptable however, in the remaining 3 cases the results were considered unacceptable, as in 2 cases (6.67%) it was more than radiographic measurement by 0.5mm and in 1 case electronic measurement was more than radiographic by 1.5mm. It has been concluded from the present study that the electronic apex locator is an effective device with an accuracy of more than 90%; hence it can be used as adjunct to conventional radiography but cannot replace it.

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