Accuracy of Working Length Determination In Primary Molar Teeth Using Three Different Methods: An Invitro Study

Abstract

Background: An accurate working length plays a pivotal role for the success of treatment in endodontics. It involves a wide array of procedures. Aim: Use of digital radiovisiography (RVG), apex locator (EAL) and cone beam computed tomography technique (CBCT) to evaluate working length in primary teeth. Materials and Methods: This study included thirty extracted primary teeth having at least 2/3rd of root. Alginate was combined with 0.9% normal saline solution and teeth were inserted in it after access opening. Two qualified examiners recorded working length for all canals twice with RVG, EAL and CBCT. In control group, a Kerr- file from coronal reference to the apical foramen was used to visually determine the actual (AL) under stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis: Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland and Altman analysis were used to calculate the agreement on measurements of all methods using actual values of different methods. Results: Electronic working length measured with AL (0.0007) was statistically significant compared to RVG (1.9570) and CBCT (0.8440). Amongst all methods for determination of working length the ICC showed the highest reliability for EAL and least for RVG. Conclusion: In comparison to RVG and CBCT, the EALperformed the best for determining working length in primary teeth.