Comparison of root canal length measurement methods in primary teeth

Abstract

Objectves: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of conven5onal radiography, intraoral digital radi- ovisiography and electronic apex locator in determining the working length of root canals in primary teeth (in-vivo) and to compare the results with scanning electron microscopy measurements (ex-vivo). Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on 50 primary molar teeth. Standard endodon7c access cavity prepara7ons were prepared and the actual length was calculated by calibrated inves3gators. Working lengths were determined by using conven5onal radiography, RVG and apex locator in a total of 116 root canals. A;er the extrac<on of the teeth, each canal length was determined by using SEM. Data were analysed sta6s6cally by using Oneway Anova, Tukey HDS, Student t test and Bonferroni tests. Results: The mean root length measurements with conven3onal radiography were significantly higher than apex locator, RVG and SEM. The accuracy of apex locator and RVG were higher than conven>onal radiog- raphy in determining the working length in primary teeth. Conclusions: The electronic apex locators provide an ac- ceptable level of accuracy in determining root canal length in primary teeth. Clinical Relevance: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of conven,onal radiography, intraoral digital radiovisiography and electronic apex locator in determining the working length of root canals in primary teeth and,to compare the results with scanning electron microscopy measurements.