Comparative analysis of two electronic apex locators in working length determination using stainless steel and nickel titanium hand files in permanent teeth with simulated apical root resorption - An in vitro study

Background: Exact estimation of root canal length is imperative for the achievement of root canal treatment. Working length (WL) has been defined as ‘‘the distance from a coronal reference point to the point at which canal preparation and obturation should terminate''. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the accuracy of two generations of apex locators in teeth with simulated apical root resorption using stainless steel and nickel titanium hand files. Materials and methods: Eighty single-rooted, maxillary anterior teeth were selected. The extracted teeth were soaked in 5% sodium hypochlorite for 6 hours and then in sterile 0.9% saline until use. An oblique cut of 45 degree was made from facial to palatal wall. Access cavities were prepared and the Visual Working Length (VWL) was measured. The samples were then embedded in alginate and the electronic measurements were recorded using stainless steel and nickel titanium hand files. Statistical analysis was done by Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey HSD test were used for statistical analysis. Results: There was no statistically significant difference seen with DentaPort ZX and i-Root along with the use of stainless steel and NiTi hand files. Conclusion: In the present study, DentaPort ZX and i-Root apex locators showed similar efficacy in determining working length with the use of both stainless steel and NiTi hand files under present study conditions.