Accuracy of working length measurement by Raypex 6: Electronic apex locator versus actual measurements under stereomicroscope

• Main Authors: Peker Begum Unsal (Author), Hepsenoglu Yelda Erdem (Author), Ersahan Seyda (Author), Eyuboglu Tan Firat (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Balkan Stomatological Society, 2022-01-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 2335-0245; 10.5937/bjdm2201015P
• Keywords: raypex 6; electronic apex locators; working length measurement; irrigation solutions; Dentistry; RK1-715
• Source: Balkan Journal of Dental Medicine, Vol 26, Iss 1, Pp 15-21 (2022)

Background/Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the precision of the Raypex 6 apex locator in locating the apical constriction (AC) and major foramen (MF) during a root canal treatment compared with a microscopic evaluation. Another aim of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Raypex 6 in the presence of different irrigating solutions (NaOCl, saline, EDTA, etidronic acid-HEBP). Material and Methods: One hundred and nine patients were included in this study and were randomly assigned into four groups according to the irrigation solution used; NaOCl, EDTA, HEBF and saline. Electronic MF (EMF) and AC (EAC) were measured by using Raypex 6. The teeth were extracted. The apical 3 mm of each canal was trimmed to expose the file tip. The samples were observed under a stereomicroscope, and the actual length of MF (ALMF) and AC (ALAC) were measured. The data were analyzed by using x2 test, and significance was set at P< 0.05. Results: The Raypex 6 was accurate 71.4% of the time to ±0.5mm and 93.3% of the time to ±1mm in determining the ALAC. While similar ALAC-EAC differences were observed in EDTA, NaOCl, and saline groups (p= 0.230), the highest differences were seen in the HEBP group (p= 1.000). The precision of Raypex 6 in determining the working length measurement depends on the type of irrigation. All solutions allowed reliable detection of AC. However, HEBF significantly increased the risk of overpreparation. Conclusions: Raypex 6 can be recommended for clinical use and its accuracy is not affected by the type of irrigant when locating MF.