Contrary electrode positions and its effect on the accuracy of apex locator

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Author Details : Logani A, Singh A, Chawla A, Kumar V, Shah N

Volume : 3, Issue : 1, Year : 2015

Article Page : 40-42

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Abstract

Aim: Clinically evaluate the effect of varying the conditions and the position of the contrary electrode on the accuracy of apex locators to determine the working length.
Methodology: Thirty patients requiring endodontic intervention of as many maxillary anterior teeth were randomly selected. Root ZX, a 3rd generation apex locator was used to determine the electronic working length (EWL). Three positions of the contrary electrode were evaluated Group I: held at the corner of the patient’s mouth in contact with oral mucous membrane, Group II: held in the patients’ dry hand, Group III: held in patients moist hands. Three consecutive readings were taken at each position and the mean calculated.
Results: The readings obtained for group II & III were analyzed against group I using Altman Criterion for Agreement Analysis. A mean difference of 0.73 and 6.52mm was observed between group I & III and between groups I & II respectively.
Conclusion: Moist hands can be an alternate placement position for the contrary electrode during EWL determination.

How to cite : Logani A, Singh A, Chawla A, Kumar V, Shah N, Contrary electrode positions and its effect on the accuracy of apex locator. J Dent Spec 2015;3(1):40-42

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