Comparison of root canal length measurement methods in primary teeth

• Main Authors: Mine Koruyucu, Merve Bayram, Yelda Kasımoğlu, Figen Seymen
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: University Library System, University of Pittsburgh 2018-07-01
• Series: Dentistry 3000
• Subjects: apex locator, conventional radiography, RVG, SEM, working length
• Online Access: http://dentistry3000.pitt.edu/ojs/index.php/dentistry3000/article/view/83

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of conventional radiography, intraoral digital radiovisiography and electronic apex locator in determining the working length of root canals in primary teeth (in-vivo) and to compare the results with scanning electron microscopy measurements (ex-vivo). Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 50 primary molar teeth. Standard endodontic access cavity preparations were prepared and the actual length was calculated by calibrated investigators. Working lengths were determined by using conventional radiography, RVG and apex locator in a total of 116 root canals. After the extraction of the teeth, each canal length was determined by using SEM. Data were analysed statistically by using Oneway Anova, Tukey HDS, Student t test and Bonferroni tests. Results: The mean root length measurements with conventional radiography were significantly higher than apex locator, RVG and SEM. The accuracy of apex locator and RVG were higher than conventional radiography in determining the working length in primary teeth. Conclusions: The electronic apex locators provide an acceptable level of accuracy in determining root canal length in primary teeth. Clinical Relevance: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of conventional radiography, intraoral digital radiovisiography and electronic apex locator in determining the working length of root canals in primary teeth and,to compare the results with scanning electron microscopy measurements.