In vitro Evaluation of the Accuracy of the Root Zx in the Presence of Naocl 2.5% and Chlorhexidine 0.2%

BACKGROUND: Establishing the working length at the apical constriction is considered ideal for root canal therapy. Because of the limitations of radiography and complicacy of the apex of the root, electronic measurement of canal length has become valuable for endodontic treatment. This study was designed to evaluation of the accuracy of the Root zx electronic apex locator in the presence of NaOCl 2.5% and chlorhexidine 0.2%. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty extracted human premolars with complete root formation were enrolled. The actual length (AL) was assessed visually (under stereo microscope) and teeth mounted in the saline model. The electronic length (EL) measurements were recorded in the presence of NaOCl 2.5% and chlorhexidine 0.2% and the differences between the EL and AL were compared. RESULTS: By accepting the error of 0.5 and 1 mm, the accuracy of Root zx was 76.7% and 96.7% in the presence of chlorhexidine 0.2% and 90% and 100% in the presence of NaOCl 2.5%, respectively. No statistical differences was found between the measured groups (P=0.223). CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirmed that Root zx can accurately determine the apical constriction in presence of both NaOCl 2.5% and chlorhexidine 0.2%. Key words:Chlorhexidine, Sodium Hypochlorite, Root ZX.