Examining Accuracy of New Apex Locators in Working Length Determination in Human Teeth: An In Vivo Study

Abstract

Background: Proper determination of working length is an essential part of successful endodontic treatment. Despite the proven benefits of electronic apex locators, additional research is essential to assess their accuracy, particularly new models. The aim of this study was to conduct in vivo comparisons of three recent Apex length locators and the established gold standard, Root ZX. Methods: The sample comprised forty single-rooted anterior teeth in need of nonsurgical root canal therapy. The teeth were randomly assigned to four groups of ten teeth each: Root ZX, Woodpex V Plus, Bomedent, and Woodpecker AI-pex. The working length of each sample was determined using the assigned electronic method as EAL and digitally as radiographic digital radiographs. Three electronic measurements were taken, and the average length was accepted as the electronic working length for each sample. One-way ANOVA was used to identify statistical significance with the Tukey’s post hoc test, with p ≤ 0.05. Results: The working lengths average and standard deviations were with Root ZX 20.51 ± 0.93 mm, with Woodpex V Plus 20.10 ± 0.61 mm, with Bomedent 20.21 ± 0.94 mm, and with Woodpecker Aipex 20.31 ± 0.91 mm. There was no significant deviation between the four methods. Pairwise comparisons among the four devices showed no major variations. Conclusions: In vivo results demonstrated good results of the evaluated EALs in determining working length. The tested devices have been shown with a certain level of accuracy, equivalent to the gold standard Root ZX, hence demonstrating acceptable operation in clinical endodontic practice.