Ex Vivo Evaluation of the Accuracy of 3 Electronic Apex Locators in Different Environments: A Micro-Computed Tomography Study

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of three electronic apex locators (EALs) (Propex Pixi, Mini Root ZX, Raypex 5) in determining working length (WL) under different environments (existence of blood-pulp/sodium hypochlorite in root canal space) using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) measurements. METHODS: Twenty-five single-rooted human teeth that were scheduled for extraction were selected for the study. Measurements were performed with the Propex Pixi, Mini Root ZX, Raypex 5 in vivo conditions in the presence of NaOCl irrigant solution or blood-pulp tissue. After that the teeth were extracted and scanned using micro-CT. The measurements of WL obtained with the different EALs in different environments were statistically compared. Significance was set at P<0.05. RESULTS: There were no significant differences among the WL measurements performed with EALs or micro CT groups under different clinical enviroments. All EALs tested gave reliable results in respect to apical constriction. CONCLUSION: The accuracy of the tested EALs is not affected by pulp tissues and blood or NaOCl.