Comparison of accuracy of two electronic apex locators in the presence of various irrigants: An in vitro study

Abstract

AIM: This study was designed to compare the accuracy of Root ZX and SybronEndo Mini, electronic apex locators (EALs), in the presence of various irrigants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted, single-rooted human teeth were decoronated and the root canals coronally flared. The actual length (AL) was assessed visually and teeth mounted in the gelatin model. The electronic length (EL) measurements were recorded with both EALs in the presence of 0.9% saline; 1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl); 2% chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX), and 17% EDTA solution, at "0.5" reading on display. The differences between the EL and AL were compared. RESULTS: The accuracy of EL measurement of Root ZX and Sybron Mini within±0.5 mm of AL was consistently high in the presence of NaOCl and found to be least with EDTA. CONCLUSION: EL measurements were shorter with 1% NaOCl, whereas longer with 2% CHX for both the devices. Sybron Mini was more accurate with 1% NaOCl and 2% CHX than Root ZX.