Comparison of Radiovisiography, an apex locator and an Integrated Endomotor- Inbuilt Apex Locator in Primary Teeth Endodontics

Aim and objective: To compare the accuracy of radiovisiography (RVG), Root ZX mini Apex locator, and Endo radar's inbuilt Apex Locator during working length determination determination in primary teeth with the actual/direct canal length.

Materials and methods: 58 primary teeth indicated for extraction in children of age group 4-12 years were selected. RVG, Root ZX mini Apex Locator, and Endo radar's Apex Locator were used to determine the working length intraorally. Following extraction of the teeth, the actual working length was determined with magnifying loupes (2.5x) using a K-file and an endodontic ruler. The data was tabulated and statistically analyzed. Results: 84 canals (58 teeth) were evaluated and Root ZX mini Electronic Apex Locator (EAL) showed no statistically significant difference with the actual measurement (p=0.18) whereas Endo radar and RVG showed statistically significant difference. Endo radar underestimated, while RVG overestimated the working length. The most accurate method for working length measurements of the root canals in primary teeth was Root ZX mini EAL, followed by Endo radar and the least accurate was RVG.

Conclusion: The Root ZX mini Apex Locator showed the most promising results and had an excellent degree of agreement with actual working length, followed by Endo radar and RVG.