Análisis comparativo de la longitud de trabajo usando tres localizadores apicales en dientes centrales inferiores : investigación in vitro.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Working length (WL) determination is an important step in endodontic therapy, otherwise an error in this measurement can lead to insufficient or excessive instrumentation affecting the success of the treatment. OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference in working length obtained using three different apex locators by means of an in vitro study in lower central teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quantitative crosssectional investigation was performed consisting of a sample of 40 extracted lower central incisors, whose working length was measured using three apex locators Root ZX Morita, Proper Pixi Dentsply and AirPex mini Eighteeth. In addition, the influence of precision was evaluated using two file materials: nickel-titanium and stainless steel. RESULTS: All apex locators established precise measurements, with variations ranging between 19.01 mm and 19.25 mm. Dentsply Proper Pixi and AirPex Mini Eighteeth demonstrated consistent results and the coefficients of variation (CV) used ranged from 8.2% to 8.7% across all groups regardless of file material, Root ZX Morita showed slight variation when using stainless steel files. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that Dentsply Proper Pixi and AirPex Mini Eighteeth are reliable apex locators for determining working length in mandibular central incisors, while Root ZX Morita may have its measurement influenced by the file material used.