Clinical Efficacy of Three Different Electronic Apex Locators in Comparison with Radiographic Working Length Determination

The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of three different electronic apex locators (EALs) in comparison with the radiographic working length determination. This study was conducted on the 211 root canals of 113 teeth in the undergraduate endodontic clinic. Under the referee of the research assistants, the students determined the working length by taking a periapical radiograph with the file in place initially and then electronically by use of three different apex locators. The research assistant observed the entire procedure based on the manufacturers’ recommendations, and the measurements were recorded individually. Data were statistically analyzed using the NCSS-PASS 2007 program, one-way ANOVA and intraclass correlation coefficient at the 95% confidence level with significance set at p<0.05. Comparing the coincidence between measurements obtained with radiography and with the three EALs, the intraclass correlation coefficient revealed that the radiographic and electronic working length measurements were coincident in all groups of teeth included in this study.