ELECTRONIC APEX LOCATOR VERSUS CONVENTIONAL R ADIOGRAPH

DETERMINATION OF WORKING LENGTH: A PROSPECTIVE IN-VIVO STUDY

Abstract

For successful endodontic outcome, accurate working length has to be determined.
Even with improved systems of working length (WL) measurement, different readings may be
recorded in different electrolytes present in the canal. Methodology: Total 90 patients were
selected for this prospective in vivo study resented at Department of Operative Dentistry, Liaquat
University of Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, during 6 months i.e. from 1st Sep 2014 to
28th Feb 2015, with single rooted permanent mandibular first premolars with matured apices.
After extirpated pulp tissue a file was inserted in the canal and WL was obtained by radiograph
as well as by electronic apex locator (EAL). The measurements determined by both methods
were compared by applying paired sample t-test. SPSS 18 was used for data analysis. Results:
Among 90 subjects 37 were males. Mean±SD WL obtained radiographically was 19.8±1.03-m
whereas mean±SD WL obtained electronically was 18.9±1.05 mm. Mean difference between
measurements of both methods was 0.87-mm, which was statistically significant (P <0.05).
Conclusion: The electronic apex locator was better than the radiograph in determining working
length of root canal at statistically significant level.