In vitro evaluation of Root ZX and Raypex 6 in teeth with different apical diameters

BACKGROUND: There is a growing interest about electronic apex locators for working length determination. There are several studies dealing with their performance in different conditions. AIMS: The aim of this study is to evaluate the accuracy of Root ZX and Raypex 6 in teeth with different apical diameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Actual working length (AWL) of 80 single rooted teeth were determined as 0.5 mm short of apical foramen. The teeth were divided into 4 groups (n = 20). First group (G 0) included teeth with mature apices. Root canals of the other groups (G 32, G 57 and G 72) were enlarged until apical sizes of 0.32, 0.57 and 0.72 mm were obtained. Samples were embedded in alginate and electronic measurements (EM) were performed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: was achieved with Fisher exact test. RESULTS: Both devices revealed a high rate of success in G 0 and G 32. Their accuracy decreased significantly in G 57 and G 72 groups (P < 0.05). Intra-group results of Root ZX and Raypex 6 were similar (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Root ZX and Raypex 6 are reliable in teeth with mature apices. At foramen diameters exceeding 0.57 mm, their accuracy is susceptible.