An in vitro study to predict effect of root canal curvature on accuracy of apex locator

Abstract

Background: Inaccuracy in determining and maintaining working length (WL) may result in length being too long leading to apical perforation The present study was conducted to predict effect of root canal curvature on accuracy of apex locator Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 90 mandibular molar teeth of either gender. The degree of root canal curvature was determined by Schneider’s method. Samples were divided into three groups. Group I were with mild canal curvature ( 36°).The actual root canal length was determined using a no. 8 or no. 10 file into the canal until the tip of the file emerged through the major apical foramen. Differences between EWL and AWL were calculated.Results: Group I teeth were with root curvature 36°. Maximum difference was observed in group III, followed by group II and group I. In group I, the difference was 0.178±0.14 mm, in group II was 0.20±0.22 mm and in group III was 0.24±0.24 mm. The difference was significant (P