A Comparative In vitro Study of the Effects of Open Apex on Working Length Determination Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography and Apex Locators

Abstract

Due to severe apical resorption, thin dentinal walls, and chronic infection, teeth with open apices make it difficult to estimate the working length. Electronic apex locators help where radiographic methods are problematic and cut down on the number of radiographs needed. Also, they are useful when the radiographic apex and apical foramen are separated by some distance. Apex Locators not only minimize radiography exposure but also minimize root canal length overestimation. Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate how open apex affects the calculation of working length (WL) using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and electronic apex locators (EALs). Result: The study's findings demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between Visual Working Length (VWL), Propex pixi, CBCT Working Length, Propex pixi, Root ZX mini, and Propex Pixi. However, there was no p>0.05 statistically significant difference between the Root ZX Mini and the CBCT working length. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the CBCT working length is as precise and reliable as the gold standard, the Visual Working Length (VWL). Root ZX small had greater accuracy than Propex Pixi among the electronic apex locators utilised in my investigation.