Root canal length measurement in teeth with electrolyte compensation

Abstract

Electronic root canal length measurement devices have made it easier and faster to measure the root canal length of a tooth compared with the conventional radiographic method. Of these electronic apex locators, the frequency-dependent type features greater accuracy and convenience in operation. However, its accuracy is still influenced by the presence of blood and/or the various electrolytes used in root canal therapy. This study describes the development of a new frequency-dependent electronic apex locator featuring electrolyte compensation, utilising an impedance ratio and voltage difference technique to minimise the influence of electrolytes on the accuracy of root canal length measurement. The errors for distances from file tips to apical constrictions were determined in vivo with the device operating with electrolyte compensation. The measured lengths were compared with the true lengths of the extracted teeth determined using a microscope. The mean error was +0.14+/-0.27mm, and 95.2% of the measurements were within the clinical tolerance of +/-0.5mm. It was also found that the degree of accuracy was not dependent on the size of the apical foramen (p = 0.74).

Accuracy of root canal length determination with the impedance ratio method

“…2006), most previous studies have been made with them (Gordon & Chandler 2004, Kim & Lee 2004). There are only a few studies that have investigated impedance changes with noncommercial devices, aiming to evaluate factors that influence the measurement or to improve the method itself (Pilot & Pitts 1997, Nam et al. 2002, Križaj et al.…”

Consistency of Apex Locator Function: A Clinical Study

“…The quality of the performance/measurements can be described in terms of reliability, which is the probability that a device will perform a required function (eg, high accuracy, repeatability, and reproducibility) (1) under stated conditions (eg, on patients) for a stated period of time. The reliability of apex locators in terms of accuracy and repeatability is well studied (2)(3)(4)(5)(6), but there are little data on the consistency or regularity of the function of apex locators (ie, how often do apex locators dysfunction or give no readings).…”

Research and primary evaluation of an automatic fusion method for multisource tooth crown data

“…Lee et al considered complete teeth including the roots in the visualization observation of the orthodontics process to be an inevitable trend in the development of computer‐assisted orthodontics. Complete teeth with roots also played important roles in stress distribution in the premolar 3D model developed by Munari et al and root canal length measurement by Nam et al…”

“…Lee et al 9 considered complete teeth including the roots in the visualization observation of the orthodontics process to be an inevitable trend in the development of computer-assisted orthodontics. Complete teeth with roots also played important roles in stress distribution in the premolar 3D model developed by Munari et al 10 and root canal length measurement by Nam et al 11 Current representative measures for the acquisition of 3D dental data mainly include CBCT and optical scanning technology. Cone beam computed tomography uses cone beam volumetric tomography to obtain tomographic scanning data of complete tooth structures for the reconstruction of 3D tissue morphology.…”