Evaluation of the Use of Sixth Generation Apex Locators as a Diagnostic Tool to Detect Root Perforations Srivastava Vipul1, Jain Neetika1,*, Bagchi Soumyojeet2, Negi Mahendra Pal Singh3 1Department of Conservative Dentistry & Endodontics, Saraswati Dental College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India 2Department of Prosthodontics & Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Saraswati Dental College, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India 3Statistician, Institute for Data Computing and Training, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India *Address for Correspondence: Dr. Neetika Jain, Flat-902, Tower no. 9, Omaxe Heights, Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow - 226 010, Uttar Pradesh, India. E-mail: nitika.jain.2002@gmail.com
Online published on 25 April, 2016. Abstract Aim The sixth generation apex locators served as an efficient diagnostic tool for detecting root perforations as these are based on the principle of impedance rather than the conventional gradient method. However, their diagnostic accuracy not evaluated well. In the existing study, we assessed and compared the efficacy of two apex locators for diagnostic perspective. Materials and Methods A total of 32 extracted teeth were perforated and mounted using alginate (Alginate Impression Material, 3M ESPE, USA). Two different apex locators - Raypex® 6 Apex Locator (VDW) and ProPex Pixi (Dentsply, USA) were used to detect the intentionally created root perforations (i.e., distance from file tips to external outline of the root surface). The two apex locators measured the same root perforations and compared statistically. Results The mean distance from file tips to external outline of the root surface was found significantly different and lower (59.9%) in Raypex® 6 Apex Locator as compared to Propex Pixi (mean ± standard deviation: 0.39 ± 0.04 vs. 0.16 ± 0.02, t = 30.57, P < 0.001). Conclusion We found Raypex® 6 Apex Locator better for root perforations. Top Keywords Apex locators, diagnostic tool, over instrumentation, root perforations, sixth generation. Top |