The objective of this study was two-fold: 1) to determine the accuracy of the Elements Apex Locator and 2) to compare the accuracy of the alginate and Endo Q models as in-vitro apex locator testing devices. Twenty teeth were decoronated at the CEJ and triplicate measurements were made using the Elements Apex Locator. All measurements were made to the apex reading of the apex locator. True length was established by visualizing the file tip at the apex with a dental operating microscope. Measurements were then taken with the teeth mounted in an alginate model and then in the Endo Q model. The two models were compared using a repeated-measure ANOVA. Statistically significant differences occurred between the alginate and Endo Q models. The results showed that in 95% (n=19) of the cases, an accurate location to within + 0.5 mm of the apical foramen was obtained with the Endo Q model and 55% (n=11) with the alginate model. With a + 1.0 mm tolerance level, an accuracy of 95% (n=19) was found with the use of the alginate model. In conclusion, it seems that the Endo Q system was more suitable for testing the electronic apex locator than the alginate model. The Elements Apex Locator with the use of the Endo Q model was highly accurate in locating to within + 0.5 mm of the apical foramen (Mean deviation = .17 mm).
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:vcu.edu/oai:scholarscompass.vcu.edu:etd-2032 |
| Date | 01 January 2004 |
| Creators | Brofsky, Steven Andrew |
| Publisher | VCU Scholars Compass |
| Source Sets | Virginia Commonwealth University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Theses and Dissertations |
| Rights | © The Author |
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