Apex Locator: Consistently Accurate Readings?

Apex LocatorI just bought the Apex NRG and have had pretty good success establishing an accurate working length. I have previously used the Justwo and the Root ZX. I had middling success with both of those. I do so much endo that it is worth my while to have reliable a apex locator.

Has anybody used an electronic apex locator that provided consistently accurate readings? In wet canals with sodium hypochlorite or blood? I would like to be able to insert the file to estimated working length and take a reading at the beginning of the procedure, before the pulpectomy has been completed. Are any of you able to do that? I would be willing to purchase another apex locator if it worked any better than these. It would be worth it to me.

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Comments

8 Responses to “Apex Locator: Consistently Accurate Readings?”

  1. John Clark on July 27th, 2007 6:10 am

    I was wondering why you want to be so specific with your working length so early in your endo? All of the continuing ed courses I have done advocate the ‘crown down’ technique which focus on gross removal of the infected upper 2/3 region of the canal so that transfer of bacteria apically is reduced (all done before the working length PA or apex locator check). The other thing about taking a working length before you have opened up your canals is that translocation of your apical seat beyond the constriction will ensue as the curvature of the canal system (and therefore actual working length) is reduced with filing.I use the sybron endo locator which is pretty good but will occasional decide not to play - particularly with pussy/necrotic cases. With such cases, I go back to just files and radiographs and then at the next appointment 2-3 later, generally find that an accurate apex locator reading can then be obtained.

    Hope all the above is useful
    regards John

  2. anupam on July 28th, 2007 9:13 am

    I have been using propex from Dentsply.I am getting good accurate results with it.
    What i do is when i am negotiating the canal and checking the patency of it,i take the lengthwith apex locater.In some cases when the no. 10 file is not going till the apex,i do the crown down,then the apex locater

  3. Ties on July 29th, 2007 10:07 am

    I get good results with apex NRG and the one of sybron endo. Most times I find the same results. if I cannot obtain an accurate reading I know I am in trouble: ledging, perforation, sclerotic stops. So I still use X-ray and electronic readings. in this way I have also visual information and I don’t have to make to much x-ray photo’s. that’s nice for the patient.

  4. akbar on August 4th, 2007 3:36 am

    acc.to me the best optionis to use a no.10 file and take a rvg snap

  5. Steve Schwartz on September 13th, 2007 5:02 pm

    I have generally been satisfied w/ the RootZX. But, here’s my question… What do we trust? I was indoctrinated to get a film showing the file at the tip of the apex. It makes for a great, satisfying picture, but is it long in reality? Do we trust the apex locator as being more anatomically correct? I’m interested in reading the thoughts of others on this.

  6. ernest donenfeld on September 26th, 2007 4:51 pm

    i am using apit7 almost 6 years and it is perfect also in open apex cases

  7. Yuan on October 6th, 2007 12:18 pm

    My second apex locator is APIT, works in wet canal, but it is better to recheck the length again when the canal is dry, then compare them if there is any discrepancy in readings.

  8. Aaron Vaughn on March 24th, 2008 10:46 pm

    I use the Root ZX with great success. However, I have learned over the years when to trust it. Generally, as long as the chamber is dry, the canals can still have fluid in them and give a good reading. Some tips are as follows: try using a larger file, make sure that the file does not touch restorations or caries, shape the upper 1/3 of the canal, remove all pulp stones first, and insulate the shaft of the file with tubing striped from electrical wire.
    p.s. if you get the file exactly to the tip of the root on the x-ray (the radiographic apex as opposed to the anatomical apex), you will be overextended most of the time. hope this helps.

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