Abstract:

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between the accuracy of the Root ZX apex locator and conductivity of hand files. Material & Method: A group of 47, extracted maxillary anterior teeth were used. Each tooth was mounted in an alginate model so that an electronic apex locator could be used to measure canal length with four different hand ISO 15 K-file groups. All file groups were tested for electrical conductivity using the four-point probe method (n=188). The relationship between the accuracy of Root ZX and electrical conductivity of the files was analysed with Kruskal Wallis at a significance level of 0.05. Results: Whilst 34% of samples were short of the control working length, the highest conductivity values were obtained in Group 2 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: For the conductivity results, there was correlation between accuracy of the Root ZX apex locator and the conductivity of hand files. However clinical trials that involve further apex locators and files of observations are needed. Keywords: Electrical Conductivity, Nickel-Titanium Alloy, Stainless Steel.

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