CORREA, Ana Carolina Pimentel et al. Efficacy of apex locators in the identification of different diameters perforations. RFO UPF []. 2011, 16, 2, pp. 161-165. ISSN 1413-4012.

Introduction: The objective of this in vitro study was to evaluate the efficacy of electronic apex locators (EAL) NovapexTM and Root ZX II TM in detecting simulated root perforations. Method: After removing the coronal portion in 35 teeth, artificial perforations were simulated in the middle third with different diameters drills (01, 04, 08). The teeth were then divided into 4 groups: 3 experimental groups with 10 teeth and the control group with 5 teeth. The teeth were embedded in a 0.9% saline solution and electronic determination of the perforations length was accomplished by using the EALs. A 10 K-type file was inserted down the canals until EALs indicated that the file had reached the mark 0 and the cursors were adjusted in an external reference. Three measurements were taken to each tooth and an average recorded. Results: Results show that larger perforation diameter increased the EAL sensitivity. For a comparison between real measures and measures provided by EAL, when EALs could locate the perforation, the student t test was applied (p < 0.05), showing no statistically difference between the different perforations and EALs. Conclusion: The tested EALs were accurate and reliable in the determination of root perforations, and are able to assist the clinical diagnosis of this pathology.

: Apex locators.; Root perforation.; Radiograph..