Accuracy of the apex locating function of TCM Endo V in simulated conditions: a comparison study

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of the apex-locating function of the TCM Endo V and to compare the results to these of the Root ZX.Study designForty-seven extracted maxillary incisor teeth with mature apices and patent single root canals were used for the study. After the root surfaces were cleaned and access cavities were prepared, the true working lengths (TL) were determined with a #10 stainless steel file. All samples were mounted in an alginate model especially developed to test the apex locators. Both electronic apex locators were used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and adjusted to 0.5-mm accuracy to the apical foramen. EL1 was designates as the working length measured with Root ZX and EL2 was designated as the working length measured with TCM Endo V. A paired t test was used to statistically analyze the significance of the mean differences at the 95% confidence interval of the differences (P = .001) among TL, EL1, and EL2.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences between TL and EL1, TL and EL2, and EL1 and EL2 (P = .001). Both Root ZX and TCM Endo V gave similar results.ConclusionsTCM Endo V proved to be as reliable as Root ZX but the use of the device to determine the working length was not easy as Root ZX. Further studies are needed to compare TCM Endo V in clinical conditions with similar electric motor and apex locator combined devices.