Performance of two different electronic apex locators during the removal of calcium silicate-based sealers

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this in vitro study is to evaluate the accuracy of Root ZX and Propex Pixi during the retreatment of root canals obturated with different calcium silicate-based root canal sealers. Methodology: Root canals of ninety human premolar teeth were shaped with ProTaper universal rotary files up to size F2 under 5.25% NaOCl irrigation for the present study. Root canal filling was carried out by lateral condensation technique using with gutta-percha and sealers; MTA Fillapex, CeraSeal or AH Plus. After seven days, the obturating materials were removed using D-Race files. While actual working length was recorded by direct observation, electronic working lengths were determined by Propex Pixi or Root ZX for tolerance limits of 0.5 mm and 1.0 mm. Data were analyzed using Shapiro Wilk, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests (p < 0.05). Results: The performance of Propex Pixi and Root ZX was found to be statistically similar and did not differ on the root canals filled with different root canal sealers (p < 0.05). Propex Pixi and Root ZX demonstrated more accurate measurements in the range of ±1 mm compared to ±0.5 mm in all groups, regardless of the type of root canal sealer used when filling the root canals before retreatment (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Root ZX and Propex Pixi can be used confidently in the retreatment of the root canals in which CeraSeal, MTA Fillapex, and AH Plus are used as sealers