Occurrence of no-function of two electronic apex locators: an in vivo study

ObjectivesThis in vivo study was aimed at quantifying the electronic no-function rate of 2 electronic apex locators, ApexPointer and Novapex, and evaluating whether their operation is affected by the type of applied treatment, patient's age, and the type of tooth.Study designA total of 209 root canals were included in this study. For each canal, the electronic length was determined and verified by radiography. Whenever the electronic device failed to provide a value, it was recorded as an electronic no-function. Experimental data were statistically tested with chi-squared through Statview.ResultsFor both apex locators, the no-function rate remained around 15% and did not seem to be affected by the age of patients. A statistically significant relationship was found between no-function rate and retreatment (P < .05). The type of tooth had no influence on the no-function rate.ConclusionsUnder the conditions of this assessment in vivo, the 2 apex locators proved to give no value in about 15% of the cases. Further investigations are necessary to clear up the links between no-function and retreatment or age.