Comparison of radiographic and electronical working length determination on palatal and mesio-buccal root canals of extracted upper molars

ObjectiveThe objective of this work was to compare the accuracy of working length determination of ProPex (Dentsply-Maillefer) electronic apex locator (EAL) to the radiographic method on extracted molars.Study designRoot canal length was determined using the electronic apex locator and conventional radiographic method. Digital radiographs were taken and the distance between the tip of the file and the radiographic apex was measured. Mann-Whitney and χ2 tests were used for the statistical analysis.ResultsThe average distance between the tip of the file and the radiographic apex in the mesio-buccal canals was 0.46 mm with the radiologic method, and 0.23 mm with EAL, and 0.43 mm and 0.31 mm in the palatal canals, respectively. The difference at the mesio-buccal canals was significant (Mann-Whitney test P = .048). The number of overextensions was higher in the EAL group.ConclusionThe desired position of the file achieved by the EAL proved to be more accurate in the mesio-buccal canals than with the radiologic method alone.