An ex vivo comparison of electronic apex locator teaching models.

Authors :: Chen E
Kaing S
Mohan H
Ting SY
Wu J
Parashos P
Source :: Journal of endodontics [J Endod] 2011 Aug; Vol. 37 (8), pp. 1147-51. Date of Electronic Publication: 2011 May 13.
Publication Year :: 2011
Abstract: Introduction: This study aimed to develop a simple and inexpensive ex vivo model to teach students the use of electronic apex locators in a preclinical setting.<br />Methods: Using 27 extracted human teeth, the Raypex 5 (VDW, Munich, Germany) and Dentaport ZX (J. Morita Co, Kyoto, Japan) were tested in three different media (ie, alginate, sugar-free gelatin, and 0.9% sodium chloride solution). Working lengths determined by these models were compared with those obtained by digital radiography and direct visualization using a linear mixed modeling statistical approach.<br />Results: Raypex 5 exhibited a higher percentage of measurements accurate to ± 0.5 mm and ± 1.0 mm of the control across all three media in all tooth types. In multirooted teeth, alginate showed the highest accuracy.<br />Conclusions: The most accurate EAL/embedding medium combination was Raypex 5/alginate to both ± 0.5 mm and ± 1.0 mm of the control. The model tested in this study was accurate, easy to assemble, and cost-effective, making it suitable for teaching purposes.<br /> (Copyright © 2011 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)