Evaluation of different apex finder systems for determination of root perforations in presence of different i̇rrigation solutions

One of the most studied subjects about electronic apex locators (EAL) from past to present; the effect of electroconductors on the accuracy of EALs. Although modern EAL manufacturers claim that these new devices are not adversely affected by electroconductors, this issue has not been fully clarified. Three different modern EAB (Root ZX mini, Raypex 6, Apex ID) were used in this study. In the presence of electroconductive irrigation solutions (5% NaOCl, 0.9% Sodium Chloride (NaCl) solution and 17% EDTA) and in dry canal conditions, the accuracy of EALs were evaluated. The mesiobuccal root of 64 human maxillary 1st molar teeth free of any resorbtion, cracks and open apices were included. Roots with a curve of radius of 25-35 degrees were used in the study and the roots without these slope ratios were also excluded. Root canal contents were evacuated and canals were prepared with Reciproc (VDW, Munich, Germany) instruments. Determination of actual lengths and electronic measurement to the point of perforation were performed visually under X4 magnification (Carl Zeiss GmbH, Jena, Germany). As a result of the statistical analysis, groups between the actual lengths and the electronic measurementswere defined with significance levels of 0.05. In the dry root channel conditions and Serum Physiological (SP) washed channels, the level of significance was found to be 0.05 between the electronic measurements made with the root ZX device. Also, electronic measurements made with Raypex 6 and Apex ID were found to be significant at the 0.05 level in the channels which was washed 5% NaOCl, 0.9% Sodium Chloride (NaCl), solution (SP) and 17% EDTA.