A comparative evaluation of electronic and radiographic determination of root canal length in primary teeth: An in vitro study

AIMS: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the root canal length determination by Electronic apex locator (EAL) (Raypex 5) and conventional radiography, and then compare them with the actual measurements obtained by direct visualization. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study was conducted at the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry, Government Dental College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred single rooted primary teeth extracted due to extensive caries, trauma, serial extraction or unwillingness of the parent to save the teeth were selected. The teeth were numbered and root canal length was determined using the visual, electronic and the radiographic methods. The actual, electronic and the radiographic measurements were recorded. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data were analyzed using Intraclass correlation test and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: The accuracy of EAL and radiographic methods were 92% and 72%, respectively within + 0.5 mm. Both the electronic and conventional radiographic methods showed a high correlation and agreement (ICC intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.99 and 0.98 respectively) with the actual measurements. CONCLUSIONS: EALs proved to be more accurate in determining the root canal length than the radiographic method.