Evaluation of working length determination methods: An <i>in vivo / ex vivo</i> study

This comparative study was done to determine the accuracy in measuring the working length of root canal using tactile method, electronic apex locator and radiographic method, <i> in viv</i> o, and comparing the lengths so measured to the actual working length, <i> ex vivo</i>...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Shanmugaraj Muthu, Nivedha Rajendran, Mathan Rajan, Balagopal Sundaresan
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications 2007-01-01
Series:Indian Journal of Dental Research
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.ijdr.in/article.asp?issn=0970-9290;year=2007;volume=18;issue=2;spage=60;epage=62;aulast=Shanmugaraj
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Summary:This comparative study was done to determine the accuracy in measuring the working length of root canal using tactile method, electronic apex locator and radiographic method, <i> in viv</i> o, and comparing the lengths so measured to the actual working length, <i> ex vivo</i> , after extraction. Thirty single-rooted teeth scheduled for extraction were selected for the study. After obtaining the consent from patients, a preoperative radiograph was taken and access opening was done. Working length was determined by tactile method, by using Ingle&#x2032;s radiographic method and by using a Foramatron-IV digital apex locator. The teeth were then extracted and the actual working length was determined by placing an endodontic file in the root canal 0.5 mm short of the apex. The results indicated that among the three methods, the electronic apex locator showed the highest accuracy and the highest reliability for working length determination.
ISSN:0970-9290