Ex Vivo Evaluation of the Accuracy of Electronic Foramen Locators in Root Canals with an Obstructed Apical Foramen

The Use of Micro–Computed Tomography to Determine the Accuracy of 2 Electronic Apex Locators and Anatomic Variations Affecting Their Precision

“…Others considered AE1 mm as ''acceptable'' because of the enormous anatomic variability of the apical region, even though this range might overestimate the precision of the EALs (12,20); >AE1 mm was considered ''mistaken'' measurements because it may result in over-or underinstrumentation of the root canal system (3,7,20,24). In the study herein, the percentage of ''mistaken'' measurements obtained was higher than those previously reported (11,14,15,(19)(20)(21). This may stem from the difference in the methods used to determine the position of the AC.…”

“…EAL readings were divided into ''precise,'' ''acceptable,'' and ''mistaken'' measurements based on their level of accuracy. Previous studies considered EAL readings accurate if they have an error range of AE0.5 mm (12,13,15). Others considered AE1 mm as ''acceptable'' because of the enormous anatomic variability of the apical region, even though this range might overestimate the precision of the EALs (12,20); >AE1 mm was considered ''mistaken'' measurements because it may result in over-or underinstrumentation of the root canal system (3,7,20,24).…”

“…Root ZX is considered the gold standard to which other EALs are compared (15,21). Previous studies have used either the ''APEX'' mark (12,14,28) or the ''0.5'' mark (11,19,21,29) as a reference for the RCL or WL.…”

“…Apex ID (SybronEndo, Glendora, CA) is an EAL that has been recently introduced into the market. According to the manufacturer, it presents an operating mechanism similar to Root ZX, with different frequencies (0.5 and 5.0 kHz) (15).…”

Influence and safety of electronic apex locators in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices: a systematic review

“…The electronic apex locator and periapical radiography are convenient tools to determine root canal working length in routine clinical practice [11,12]. The electronic apex locators are useful adjuncts in determining working length during endodontic therapy, with a reported accuracy of up to 93% [13], which is higher than radiography [14]. The widespread use of implanted cardiovascular implantable electronic devices has increased the concern regarding the use of electronic apex locators in patients with cardiovascular implantable electronic devices [15].…”