Author :
Logani A, Singh A, Chawla A, Kumar V, Shah N
Volume :
3
Issue :
1
Abstract :
Aim: Clinically evaluate the effect of varying the conditions and the position of the contrary electrode on the accuracy of apex locators to determine the working length.
Methodology: Thirty patients requiring endodontic intervention of as many maxillary anterior teeth were randomly selected. Root ZX, a 3rd generation apex locator was used to determine the electronic working length (EWL). Three positions of the contrary electrode were evaluated Group I: held at the corner of the patient’s mouth in contact with oral mucous membrane, Group II: held in the patients’ dry hand, Group III: held in patients moist hands. Three consecutive readings were taken at each position and the mean calculated.
Results: The readings obtained for group II & III were analyzed against group I using Altman Criterion for Agreement Analysis. A mean difference of 0.73 and 6.52mm was observed between group I & III and between groups I & II respectively.
Conclusion: Moist hands can be an alternate placement position for the contrary electrode during EWL determination.