Comparison of Accuracy in Determining the Root Canal Working Length by Using Two Generations of Apex Locators – An In Vitro Study

AIM: The present in-vitro study aims to compare the accuracy of root canal working length determination between the third generation and fourth generation electronic apex locators. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifty extracted single-rooted single canal teeth were selected for the study, and a definite coronal plane was prepared. Actual working length (AL) was measured using a stereomicroscope under 8X magnification. Electronic working length measurements were recorded using Root ZX (EL1) and Elements Diagnostic Unit (EL2) apex locators. One-way ANOVA test was carried out to analyse the data among the experimental groups. RESULTS: The results of the one-way ANOVA test showed that difference in the working length determined by either apex locators (EL1 and EL2) and actual length determined under a stereomicroscope (AL) was statistically not significant. The independent ‘t’ test comparing between groups EL1 and AL; and EL2 and AL showed that working length determined by either of the apex locators (EL1 and EL2) and actual length determined under a stereomicroscope (AL) was statistically not significant. CONCLUSION: In this in vitro study, the Root ZX and Elements Diagnostic Unit apex locators are equally accurate for determination of working length when compared to actual working length

Paralleling technique for frenectomy and oral hygiene evaluation after frenectomy

Background: High frenum attachment is a very common problem in the population. Various conventional techniques are available which has certain disadvantages; in addition to that high frenum also hinders oral hygiene maintenance. This study aims to evaluate patient's response to two different frenectomy technique, and oral hygiene maintenance before and after frenectomy. Materials and Methods: Twenty patients with high labial frenum were randomly selected from the outpatient department. Patients were divided into two groups according to the technique used. Each group contained ten patients. One group was treated by “conventional scalpel technique” and other group by “new paralleling technique”. To evaluate patients response, visual analogue scale for pain and speech were taken at first postoperative day, 1-week and 1-month. In other part of the study the oral hygiene maintenance was evaluated by using plaque and gingival bleeding index at baseline before frenectomy, 1-week and 1-month after frenectomy. Results: Results showed that new paralleling technique for frenectomy causes less postoperative discomfort and also there was significant improvement in the oral hygiene maintenance by the patient after frenectomy. Conclusion: High maxillary frenum causes hindrance in oral hygiene maintenance. Paralleling technique for frenectomy causes less discomfort to the patient during healing phase when compared with the conventional technique