A comparative clinical evaluation of accuracy of six apex locators with intraoral periapical radiograph in multirooted teeth: An in vivo study

AIM: The purpose of this clinical study was to compare and clinically, to evaluate the accuracy of six apex locators with intra oral periapical (IOPA) radiograph in multirooted teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 multirooted teeth (maxillary and mandibular molars) with irreversible, infected or necrotic pulp tissue and completely formed roots were included in this study and were divided randomly into six groups (Root ZX II, Raypex 6, I-Root, Romiapex A-15, Sybron Endo Mini and Root ZX mini). The working length was determined using six different apex locators, and the accuracy of the apex locators was compared with IOPA radiographs, to be categorized as accurate, short, and long or beyond. RESULTS: A total of 270 canals were evaluated, of which 233 (86.3%) canals exhibited acceptable working length, 28 (10.4%) canals exhibited short working length, and only 9 (3.3%) canals exhibited working length beyond the apex. There were a statistically significant results in all the groups (P < 0.05) and the comparison between the groups was statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: The repeatability with that of apex locators is of great advantage, but the information gained from the radiographs cannot be obtained by any other means. Therefore, it is recommended that radiograph and apex locators are the best combinations in accurately determining the working length and the successful endodontics.