The effects of file size, sodium hypochlorite and blood on the accuracy of Root ZX apex locator in enlarged root canals: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND

The initial electronic apex locator (EAL) length measurement is generally established with a small-sized file. It is not known whether file size would be interfering with the reading accuracy of the EAL. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of file size on the accuracy of Root ZX apex locator using an agar model when sodium hypochlorite solution or blood was present during electronic measurements in enlarged root canals.

METHODS

A total of 36 extracted lower premolars were used. In stage 1, the canals were instrumented using size 10-40 K-files with a size 40 K-file as the master apical file (MAF). The teeth were then divided randomly into two groups of 18 teeth each. In group A, the teeth were mounted in one per cent agar and irrigated with six per cent sodium hypochlorite solution (NaOCl), while in group B the teeth were mounted in agar and irrigated with human blood. In stage 2, the canals were enlarged using a size 60 K-file as the MAF. In stages 1 and 2, the apical portions of the canals were instrumented using the step-back sequence (up to a size 80 K-file). In stage 3, the canals were enlarged using a size 80 K-file as the MAF. In each stage, the length was measured with a Root ZX until the meter value reached 'APEX' using small and large size files.

RESULTS

Three-way ANOVA and Bonferroni test showed that file size, stage of preparation and type of irrigant all had a significant influence on the measurement error (P < 0.0001), with all the interactions between these three factors being significant (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

As the diameter of the root canal increased, the measured length with the smaller size files became shorter. A file of a size close to the prepared canal diameter should be used for root length measurement in the presence of blood. In the presence of NaOCl, the Root ZX was highly accurate even when the file was much smaller than the diameter of the canal. The agar model was effective and suitable for testing EALs in vitro.