An investigation into the accuracy and effectiveness of electronic apex locating devices
Date
1983
DOI
Authors
Castellucci, Carlo
Version
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Length determination is of prime importance in endodontics and various methods have been described previously for canal length determination.
Electronic techniques of length determination were developed in the early 1960's and interest in these techniques continues to increase. Since doubts still exist, the following investigation was undertaken with the objective to determine the accuracy, reliability and effectiveness of two commercially available electronic apex locating devices in determining the working length in endodontic therapy.
Ninety nine teeth scheduled for extraction were used in the study. In vivo length determinations were performed in one hundred and forty five canals using the Neosono D device and the Foramatron device. After extraction, the canals were again measured in vitro to act as a control. The in vitro measurements were performed using endodontic K-files with rubber stops, using the same coronal reference points as in the in vivo measurements. The lengths of the K-files were then measured with an endodontic rule. Length determinations were recorded and compared and a statistical analysis was performed.
Results of the investigation, indicate that the Neosono D device gave length determinations within 0,5 mm from the control length in 88,7% of the canals measured (or within 1 mm in 95,48% of the canals measured) while the Foramatron gave length determination with 0,5 mm of the control in 81,9% (or within 1 mm of the control in 95,48% of the canals measured).
The following conclusions were drawn:
a) Both the devices showed marked improvements over previous such devices with regard to their clinical operation.
b) Although the above results suggest some accuracy, some marked differences in length determination were encountered. Where these differences occur is clinically unpredictable, and as a result of this finding, the use of the devices as sole cana1 length determinant cannot be advocated.
c) While the Neosono D device gave more accurate results than the Foramatron, a pattern emerged showing the Neosono to give consistently longer length determinations than the control, and the Foramatron consistently shorter length determinations than the control.
d) Finally, the devices proved to be ineffective in clinical situations where the canal showed the presence of sodium hypochlorite or local anesthetic solution (this could be flushed out with a non-conducting solution such as hydrogen peroxide) or where the canal contained excessive amounts of blood, pus or inflammatory exudates or combinations thereof.
Description
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Colored photographs included.
Thesis (M.Sc.D.)--Boston University, Henry M. Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry, 1983 (Endodontics)
Colored photographs included.
Thesis (M.Sc.D.)--Boston University, Henry M. Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry, 1983 (Endodontics)
License
This work is protected by copyright. Downloading is restricted to the BU community. If you are the author of this work and would like to make it publicly available, please contact open-help@bu.edu.