The Clinical Efficacy of an Ultrasonic Device with Built-In Electronic Apex Locator when Preparing Vertical Root Fracture Lines Through the Root Canal

The aim of the present study was to compare treatment outcomes of preparing vertical root fractures from within the root canal using ultrasonic devices with and without a built-in electronic apex locator before sealing the fracture gap. A total of 178 teeth with vertical root fractures, in which the fracture lines had been prepared from within the root canal using an ultrasound device before sealing the gap, were classified into S and E groups based on the device used. In the S group, an apex locator was used with the ultrasonic device. Probing depth and bone defect were significantly improved after treatment as compared with before treatment in both groups. Moreover, probing depth was significantly shallower in the S group as compared with the E group. Our findings indicate that using an ultrasonic device with a built-in electronic apex locator may improve treatment outcomes.