The Effect of Irrigating Solutions on the Accuracy of the Raypex5 Apex Locator

Abstract

Background: It is of great importance for clinicians to have confidence in the accuracy of an electronic apex locator in the presence of an irrigant. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of different irrigation solutions on the accuracy of the Raypex5 electronic apex locator.

Methods: In this experimental in vitro study, 20 straight and single canals of extracted maxillary central teeth were used. Access cavities were prepared and actual working length was determined. Electronic working length by means of Raypex5 apex locator was measured in the presence of saline, 0.2% chlorhexidine, and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. Data were analyzed by ANOVA with repeated measurements.

Results: There was no significant difference between actual and electronic working length in the presence of different solutions (P = 0.533).

Conclusion: Under the conditions of the present study, the accuracy of the Raypex5 was in an acceptable range in the presence of different irrigating solutions.

Keywords: Electronic apex locator, irrigation, root canal therapy