Evaluation of precision of length determination with 3 electronic apex locators: Root ZX, Elements Diagnostic Unit and Apex Locator, and RomiAPEX D-30

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of precision of 3 apex locators: Root ZX, Elements Diagnostic Unit and Apex Locator, and RomiAPEX D-30.Study designForty extracted single-rooted human teeth were selected. After endodontic access, measurement of the anatomical tooth length was visually performed by insertion of a K-file size 10 until its tip could be observed at the apical foramen with aid of a light microscope at 8× magnification. Following, the teeth were placed in a plastic box with alginate and electronically measured with the 3 apex locators at 1-mm short of the apical foramen.ResultsThe results revealed a precision rate of 97.5% for Root ZX, 95% for Elements Diagnostic Unit and Apex Locator, and 92.5% for RomiAPEX D-30, with no statistically significant difference between them (chi-square test, P > .05).ConclusionThe results confirm that all these electronic devices can accurately determine the root canal length within 1 mm from the apical constriction.