Accuracy of electronic apex locator in relation to the condition of human dental pulp

Research Abstract

Abstract: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of pulp condition on the accuracy of apex locator compared with periapical radiograph. 50 patients were collected for this study. Endodontic treatment was performed with root length measurement with 5th generation apex locator (AL). X-ray was performed while the file in place to verify the working length. The pulp was extirpated for histological and histochemical examination. After histopathological and histochemical examination, the extirpated pulps were classified into 5 groups (10 canals in each group), Group I: normal pulp, Group II: acutely inflammed pulp, Group III: chronically inflammed pulp, Group IV: degenerated pulp, Group V: degenerated pulp with periapical radiolucency. From the radiographic findings and histopathological finding we concluded that presence of pulp tissue inside the canal (normal or inflammed pulp tissue) affects the accuracy of AL during root length determination. As AL gives the most accurate readings in case of degenerated pulp without periapical radiolucency. While in case of degenerated pulp with periapical radiolucency, the AL tends to give over reading in most cases. [Asmaa Serry, Mohamed Adel and Ehab Mohey Elden. Accuracy of electronic apex locator in relation to the condition of human dental pulp: Histological and histochemical study. J Am Sci 2012;8(8):391-397]. (ISSN: 1545-1003). http://www.jofamericanscience.org. 60 Keywords: Electronic

Research Keywords

apex locator, anatomical root apex