COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF THE ACCURACY OF TWO ELECTRONIC APEX LOCATORS WITH CBCT IN DETERMINING THE WORKING LENGTH IN TEETH WITH SIMULATED APICAL ROOT RESORPTION: AN IN VITRO STUDY

Back Ground: One of the prerequisites for successful endodontic therapy is the determination of correct working length. There is general agreement that the apical constriction is the most appropriate landmark for termination of endodontic therapy. However, this landmark is not always present, especially in cases of root resorption or in teeth with open apices. Thus working length determination becomes crucial. Aim: To compare the accuracy of working length determination of Propex Pixi (Dentsply Sirona, Swiss), Root ZX mini (J Morita, USA) electronic apex locators and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) in teeth with simulated apical root resorption. Materials and Methods: Twenty mandibular premolars were selected and a 45° oblique cut was made at the apex. Preoperative CBCT was taken and working length is measured. Access opening was done and the teeth were embedded in an alginate mould. Working length was determined using two generations of apex locators, Propex Pixi (Dentsply Sirona, Swiss) and Root ZX mini (J Morita, USA). The length of the file was measured using vernier’s calipers and the data was projected to statistical analysis. Results: Root ZX mini was found to be more accurate in determining the working length in comparison with Propex Pixi. However, no statistically significant difference was seen between Root ZX Mini and CBCT. Conclusion: In this present study Root ZX mini measured the tooth length with the greatest accuracy