Determinação in vivo da precisão e confiabilidade de um novo modelo de localizador foraminal eletrônico

Abstract

The determination of the accurate working length is of essential importance for the success of the endodontic treatment. This study assessed the accuracy and reliability of a functional prototype of the Quill Apex Locator®. Twenty-four root canals from teeth that were scheduled for extraction for periodontal or orthodontic reasons were used. Teeth were previously radiographed in the attempt of detecting perforations, endodontic treatment and calcifications. After pulp chamber access and pre flaring, the files were advanced until the device display indicated the apical foramen. Subsequently, 1 mm was subtracted from the previous measurement and the file was repositioned in the canal and fixed, before the tooth was extracted. Later on, the apex of the root canals was exposed in a longitudinal direction to visualize the file tip and the apical foramen. The distances between the file tip and the apical foramen. The functional prototype Quill® obtained the average of 1.089 mm (±0.437mm) and the student T-test showed no difference between the experimental values and the hypothetical value (1 mm). This study showed that the functional prototype of the Quill Apex Locator® was accurate and reliable in the assessment of a satisfactory working length.