Evaluation of the Effect of Calcium Hydroxide Residues Including Different Vehicles on the Accuracy of Electronic Apex Locators

Abstract

Aim:

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the residues of the calcium hydroxide (CH) dressings with different vehicles on the accuracy of two different electronic apex locators (EALs).

Materials and Methods:

Endodontic access cavities were prepared at 120 single-rooted maxillary premolars. The actual length (AL) was determined under a stereomicroscope at ×15 magnification. After the preparation of the canals, electronic length (EL1) was measured using Propex Pixi and EndoRadar Pro. Samples were divided into one control (without CH) and five experimental groups according to the different CH vehicles (saline, mono propylene glycol, methylcellulose, silicone oil, and chlorhexidine), and calcium CH dressing was placed. After the removal of CH using 4 mL of 17% EDTA irrigation with EDDY, EL was measured again and recorded as EL2. The difference was calculated by subtracting AL from EL1 and EL2. The amount of CH residues was assessed using software.

Results:

There was no significant difference among the groups after removal of the CH dressing for both EALs (p > .05). The type of vehicle did not affect the residual amount of CH. Due to the residual CH, the accuracy of both EALs was compromised. However, the success rate of Propex Pixi was significantly reduced in the presence of CH remnants.

Conclusion:

Propex Pixi and EndoRadar were more accurate in the measurements before the application of CH dressing than after. There was no discernible impact of vehicle type on the residual amount of CH. This study emphasizes the necessity of completely removing CH dressings prior to the use of EAL to enhance the accuracy of the working length determination in endodontic practice.