CHOICE OF IRRIGATION SOLUTION FOR ACCURATE MEASUREMENTS IN ENDODONTIC PROCEDURES USING THIRD GENERATION APEX LOCATOR (ROOT ZX)

Abstract

Objectives:(1). To measure overall variance in working lengths utilizing Root Zx in an ex vivo model using 5.25% Sodium hypochlorite, 2% Chlorhexidine, 17% EDTA and 0.9% Normal saline irrigation solutions. (2). To measure the difference in electronic and actual lengths within the same groups. (3). To identify optimal irrigation solution based on readings in an acceptable range.
Materials & Methods:In this experimental in vitro study conducted at Sardar Begum Dental Hospital Peshawar, 120 extracted single-rooted human permanent maxillary incisor teeth were selected and randomly divided into four groups (30 teeth each). A conventional access cavity was prepared in each tooth and potency of canal was determined. After coronal laring, Actual Lengths
were calculated with the help of digital vernier calliper and magnification lopes. Electronic Lengths were calculated in an ex-vivo model using alginate as a medium to replicate periodontal tissue in the presence of irrigants for each group. All readings were recorded on Performa. All electronically measured lengths were compared to actual lengths, readings exceeding actual lengths were recorded positive, and those short of actual lengths were recorded negative. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 15.0 for descriptive statistics; one way ANOVA was used to compare the four groups for overall irrigant effect; the paired samples T-test was used to determine the accuracy of using different irrigants based on actual and electronic lengths. Cross-tab -ulation and Chi-square test was used for selection of the optimal irrigant based on categories of acceptability and safety. For all comparisons, statistical significance was considered at p ≤ 0.05. 
Results:All the four irrigants showed similar effects with no significant difference between the means of actual and electronic lengths (p=0.787). In terms of accuracy, 17% EDTA was most accurate showing a deference of -0.37mm between the actual and electronic lengths (p=0.052) 2% Chlorhexidine was considered the most appropriate based on 40% acceptable values.
Conclusion:All four irrigation solutions showed workable effects; 2% Chlorhexidine was considered the most appropriate irrigant based on its readings in the acceptance range.