A Comparative Ex Vivo Study on Apex Locator Precision in Mature Teeth and Immature Teeth With Divergent Canals.

AIM

This study investigates the accuracy of an apex locator in mature and immature teeth with divergent root canals ex vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty extracted premolar teeth were utilized for the study, with 25 mature teeth (Nolla stage 9 or 10) and 25 immature teeth (Nolla stages ≤ 8). The discrepancies between the actual length (AL) and the electronic length (EL), measured using a Bingo 1020 apex locator, were compared and analyzed. Statistical analysis included Pearson's correlation analysis, a T-test for independent samples, and multiple linear regression. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.

RESULTS

The difference between AL and EL in immature teeth was significantly higher than in mature premolar teeth. Nonetheless, patient gender or jaw type (upper/lower) did not affect the accuracy of electronic apex locator (EAL) measurements.

CONCLUSION

EAL readings are less accurate in immature teeth than in mature teeth. Supplementary measures, such as radiographic length determination and wet-dry paper point tests, are required to confirm the working length for improved treatment outcomes and patient compliance.