Comparative Determination of Working Length by Electronic Apex Locator, Digital Radiography, and Cone-beam Computed Tomography: An In vitro Study

Abstract

Abstract Purpose: The aim of the present in vitro study is to evaluate and compare the working length determination by electronic apex locator, digital radiography radio visio graphy (RVG), and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted teeth were collected, cleaned, and stored. Preoperative digital radiograph and CBCT scans of all the samples were taken. K-file was placed into root canal after access cavity preparation. According to the method used, different groups were made to determine the working length. Group I: Actual working length of each tooth was determined and kept as a control group. Group II: Each tooth working length was measured by electronic apex locator. Group III: Each tooth working length was measured by digital radiography (RVG). Group IV: Each tooth working length was measured by CBCT. Results: When compared with the actual working length by means of analysis of variance, the difference in mean working length calculated by electronic apex locator, RVG, and CBCT was found to be statistically significant (P = 0.001). Conclusions: Electronic apex locator is the most precise (96%) method for working length determination, followed by CBCT (94%). RVG was found to be a less accurate (93%) method in this study.