الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of a dual frequency and multi-frequency electronic apex locators in detecting simulated incomplete horizontal and vertical root fractures. A total of 65extracted human permanent single rooted teeth were selected for use in this study. The sixty five samples were classified into two main groups according to the type of fracture that was made; group (I) for horizontal fractures (45teeth) and group (II) for vertical fractures (20 teeth). Group (I) was subdivided into three subgroups according to the location of fracture, subgroup (I1) for coronal-third fractures and subgroup (I2) for middle-third fractures and (I3) for apical-third fractures (15 teeth each). Incomplete horizontal and vertical root fractures were simulated by 0.20 mm-thick diamond disk under copious amount of water coolant until the canal got exposed. To verify canal exposure, sterile saline was injected in each canal and saline leakage from the simulated fracture site was examined visually with the help of cotton pellets. To confirm the actual vertical fracture level for group II with vertical root fractures, a k-file #10 or #15 was then introduced through the cut perpendicular to the long axis of the root. Resinous cast model was used to fix the teeth. Alginate impression material was mixed and poured into it and roots were immersed in it before setting. To establish an electric circuit of the EALs, both lip clips of the devices were immersed in the alginate before setting and the file holders attached to K-file# 15. This K-file# 15 was then introduced into each root canal until the meter reaches Summary & Conclusion 06 the mark ”apex” on the screen of each EAL and the beeping sound heard. Measurements were obtained immediately after setting of the alginate impression material. All samples were measured using both Root ZX apex locator and ipex apex locator instantaneously. Data were collected and statistically analyzed. Results showed that tested devices were only accurate and reliable to detect horizontal root fractures at the cervical level only whereas for the middle and apical horizontal root fractures as well as for the vertical root fractures, they were inaccurate. No significant difference was found between the Root ZX and the Ipex when determining the location of horizontal fractures as well as detection of vertical fractures. Within the limitations of this study it can be concluded that; 1. Electronic apex locators are accurate in detecting horizontal root fractures at the cervical third of the root. 2. Electronic apex locators are not reliable in detecting horizontal root fractures at the middle and apical thirds of the root. 3. Electronic apex locators are not reliable in detecting vertical root fractures. 4. Accuracy of the electronic apex locator was not affected by operating mode. Summary & Conclusion 06 Recommendations 1) In vivo assessment of EALs ability to detect horizontal and vertical root fractures is recommended. 2) Detection of vertical, oblique or horizontal root fracture should be supplemented with CBCT examination. 3) Further studies can be conducted to investigate the accuracy of EAL to detect horizontal and vertical root fractures with different widths and different canal contents |