Ultimate Guide To Choose An Apex Locator For Your Dental Practice

Endodontic success requires the removal of the pulp tissue, necrotic material, and pathogens from the root canal. This is only possible if the length of the tooth and the root canal are precisely measured.

The working length (WL) is defined as “the distance between a coronal reference point and the point at which canal preparation and obturation should stop.” The apical level of the root filling has a major impact on the outcome of treating roots with necrotic pulps and periapical diseases. Electronic WL determination has become an important part of the treatment regimen in today’s world.

Traditional Method to determine Working Length:

1. Radiographs: Anatomical studies estimate the apical constriction to be 0.5 to 1mm below the radiographic apex. The location and shape of the apical constriction, on the other hand, can vary. As a result, radiography cannot precisely detect its location.

2. Tactile Sensation: Hand files can sometimes be used to detect apical constriction. Even experienced therapists have been demonstrated to have significant variation when utilizing this technique. Inflammatory resorption may have obliterated the apical constriction of the canal may have been calcified.

3. Paper Point Technique: Working length can be determined by bleeding or exudate on the tip of a paper point, however, this approach is generally imprecise. This approach is also ineffective in the presence of calcified canals or root resorption.

Is it really necessary to use an Electronic Apex locator?

When compared to radiography, the electronic apex locator (EAL) delivers more accurate results for detecting the apical foramen. Conductometry is essential to determine the optimal apical limit.

The following are some of the reasons why conductometry is such a crucial part of an endodontic procedure:

• It establishes the maximum depth to which instruments can be introduced into the canal, as well as the extent to which debris, tissues, and other materials must be removed from the tooth.
• If the extensions are calculated accurately, the therapy will produce the best outcomes.
• Lessens the patient’s discomfort.

The impedance, frequency, and resistance of the surrounding material are all measured by an Apex Locator. To determine length, different devices employ different principles.

 3 Things to consider before purchasing an apex locator 

1. Accuracy

When it comes to purchasing an apex locator, accuracy is crucial. The more the accuracy, the more precision in root canal treatment increases. The majority of modern apex locators have an accuracy of over 98 percent.

2. Ergonomic Design

To conserve space and improve usability, many Apex locators have a compact design. The small size of the apex locator helps for easy placement on the instrument tray during the root canal procedure.

3. Battery saving feature

The majority of modern-day apex locators are battery-powered. Running out of battery power while performing an endodontic treatment is the last thing you want to encounter. The apex locator in recent versions has a battery-saving feature that turns it off after a short period of inactivity. The device may be set up by pressing a single button after it has been turned off, making it simple and effective.

DTE Dpex V – The latest Model (6th generation)

Due to multifrequency technology, the Woodpecker Dpex V is ideal for measuring the working length without inconsistencies even in the presence of blood, saliva, water, pus, or residual pulp. In weeping canals, it can also yield an accurate reading.

Conclusion

When the proper working length and clinical results can be acquired consistently with time savings during treatment, using an electronic apex locator is a great addition to the endodontic procedure.