In Vivo and In Vitro Accuracy and Precision Evaluations of Mini Electronic Apex Locators

Abstract

This study was aimed to evaluate in vivo and in vitro accuracy and precision of Root ZXMini, Raypex6 and PropexPixi electronic apex locators (EALs) in both dry and wet conditions (5.25% NaOCl, sterile saline, 2% chlorhexidine, 17% EDTA). Fifty vital maxillary and mandibular incisors were included in in vivo, and 50 maxillary central incisors were used in the in vitro study. Measurements were classified as successful if stable electronic working lengths (EWLs) were within ±0.5 mm of actual working length (AWL). Statistics were performed using paired sample t-test, Kruskal–Wallis test and Chi-Square (p < 0.05). No significant differences in precision, accuracy and success rates were found among EALs (p > 0.05). Root ZXMini and Raypex6 could directly detect a 0.5 mm coronal zone than major apical foramen (MAF) in both settings. After a 0.5 mm reduction as recommended by the manufacturer, Propex Pixi in vivo EWLs could be between AWL and MAF; in vitro EWLs could be within 0.5 mm coronal than AWL.