| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2013 | Volume
: 3
| Issue : 3 | Page : 163-166 |
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Accuracy of apex locator for root canal length determination of deciduous molars compared to conventional radiograph
G Sivadas1, P Sudha1, Ramya Shenoy2, Arathi Rao1, BS Suprabha1
1 Department of Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
2 Department of Public Health Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
Correspondence Address:
Arathi Rao
Department of Paedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal University, Mangalore, Karnataka
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
DOI: 10.4103/2229-5194.131209
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Background: To assess whether apex locators are accurate in determining the root canal length in resorbing roots of deciduous tooth compared to the conventional radiographic method. Materials and Methods: Samples for the study included 30 primary maxillary and mandibular molar root canals in children of age group 5 to 12 years. Root canal lengths were determined with Conventional radiographs, Apex locator and direct measurements using stereomicroscope. Results: When the measurements from radiograph and apex locator were compared with direct measurements, they were non-significant with P value of 0.342 and 0.266 respectively and F value of 0.396 and 0.303, respectively. Conclusions: Apex locator and conventional radiograph both are proven to be accurate in working length determination in primary molars. Apex locators can thus be used in resorbing root canals of deciduous molars obtaining good results with no radiation hazard and processing difficulties.
Clinical Relevance to Interdisciplinary Dentistry
- Working length determination is one of the crucial steps for the final outcome of the endodontic procedure
- Apex locators work well in fully formed roots, but is it the same in cases of resorbing roots especially as seen in deciduous teeth
- The answer to the same question may be relevant in roots with external root resorption or in an immature root
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