The Accuracy of Different Apex Locator Systems in Detecting Root Perforations in the Presence of Different Irrigation Solutions

Abstract

Objective: One of the most studied topics in electronic apex locators (EALs) is the effect of root canal condition on the accuracy of EALs. In this study, the accuracy of Root ZX Mini, Raypex 6, and Apex ID in detecting root perforation was evaluated in a dry environment and in the presence of saline, ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) solutions. Methods: The mesiobuccal roots of 64 human maxillary first molars were selected for the study. These root canals were perforated from buccal root surface using a #1 Freze Beutherlock Peeso to form a 0.4 mm cavity. After perforation, the area where #40 K type file appeared was recorded as the actual length (AL) and the length measured by EAL devices both in dry canals and in the presence of solutions was recorded as the electronic measurement (EL). All electronic measurements were statistically compared with the actual length. Results: All EALs achieved AL-consistent results on EL measures. Consistency was determined using Root ZX Mini measurements in dry canals and canals irrigated with saline. The consistency of EL and AL conducted with Raypex 6 and Apex ID in canals irrigated with NaOCl, saline, and EDTA was found. There was a statistically significant difference in ELs with irrigation solutions among all EALs (p<0.05). In the dry environment, there was no statistically significant difference between the EALs (p>0.05). A consistency was discovered between ELs generated with the Root ZX Mini and ALs in both dry and saline-irrigated canals. Consistency was observed between ELs measured with Raypex 6 and Apex ID and ALs in canals irrigated with NaOCl, saline, and EDTA. Conclusion: The accuracy rates of the EALs used in this research were 97%–100% in the 1 mm range and 83%–92% in the 0.5 mm range. Despite the fact that ALs and ELs differed statistically significantly at the 0.05 level, these variations weren't thought to be clinically relevant. In the presence of conditions with different electro conductors, EALs from different generations may be used safely, and in a range of canal situations, these devices can yield measurements that are most similar to the AL.