Comparison of Accuracy of Two Apex Locators at 0 and 0.5 Readings and its Radiographic and Histologic Co-relation - A Scanning Electron Microscope

The success of an endodontic therapy is determined mainly by three factors: - Proper cleaning and shaping; Disinfection & 3-D obturation of the canal. To achieve the above factors the most important segment in endodontic treatment is determination of the accurate ?Working length?. Various methods for working length determination: - Manual method; Radiographic method and Electronic determination. Electronic apex locator reduce the number of radiographs required and helps in reduction of radiographic exposure. They are also helpful in locating the Major diameter (apical foramen) from the radiographic apex. Aim: To evaluate the Accuracy of two Apex locators (ROOT ZX & RAY PEX 6) at 0 and 0.5 Readings and Its Radiographic and Histologic Co-relation with Scanning Electron Microscope. Materials and Methods: Forty single-rooted teeth were selected. Pre-Radiograph images were taken and the actual length (AL) was calculated. The Standard access cavities were prepared. The samples were then embedded in alginate model and the electronic measurements were determined and recorded. Results: The results obtained when compared two different apex locators with A.L; Radiographic evaluation showed that at 0 reading Root ZX was accurate in 100% and Ray pex 6 was accurate in 96%. At 0.5 reading Root ZX was accurate in 75% and Ray pex 6 was accurate in 25%.By histologic evaluation at 0 reading Root ZX was accurate in detecting C.D.J 100% and Ray pex 6 was accurate in detecting C.D.J 96%. At 0.5 reading Root ZX was accurate in detecting C.D.J 75% and Ray pex 6 was accurate in detecting C.D.J 25%. Conclusion: The apex locators detect the major foramen accurately than the minor foramen when compared to AL, radiographically and histologically.