ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF ENDODONTIC FILES AS DETERMINANT OF ACCURATE MEASUREMENT IN PROCEDURES USING THIRD GENERATION ELECTRONIC APEX LOCATOR ROOTZX

Abstract

Objective:

To determine the most compatible endodontic file with third generation electronic apex locator for working length determination in an ex vivo alginate model.

Materials and Methods:

In this experimental in vitro study conducted at Sardar Begum Dental Hospital Peshawar, 60 extracted single rooted human permanent maxillary incisor teeth were selected and randomly divided into two groups (30 teeth each). A conventional access cavity was prepared in each tooth and patency of canal was determined with size 15 K-File. Anatomic Length was calculated with help of digital vernier caliper and magnification loupes. Electronic Lengths were calculated in an ex-vivo model using alginate as medium to replicate periodontal tissue in presence of irrigants for each group utilizing nickel titanium and stainless steel files. All readings were recorded on Performa. All electronically measured lengths were compared to anatomic lengths, readings exceeding anatomic lengths were recorded positive and those short of actual lengths were recorded negative. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 15.0 for descriptive statistics; Independent samples T test was used to compare the associated means of working lengths for each group. Cross-tabulation and Chi square test was used for selection of the most conducive file type based on categories of acceptability and safety. For all comparisons, statistical significance was considered at p≤0.05.

Results:

Both endodontic file types showed similar effects with no significant differences in means of anatomic and electronic working lengths. For Nickel Titanium group Anatomic lengths M=11.6±1.1, Electronic lengths M=11.6±1.4. And Stainless Steel group Anatomic lengths M=10.92±1.07, Electronic lengths M=10.5±1.04 For final selection Stainless Steel files were considered most appropriate based on 93.3% values in the acceptable range compared to 60% of Nickel Titanium group (Table 3).

Conclusion:

Under conditions of present study, both endodontic file types showed workable effects. Stainless Steel files were recognized as the most appropriate for use with RootZx based on its readings in acceptance range.