Comparative analysis of root canal length determination using cone-beam computerized tomography and apex locator

Introduction Determining the length of the root canal is one of the key factors that can affect the outcome of endodontic therapy. Incorrectly determined working length results in underfilled or overfilled canal. The aim of this work was to verify the effectiveness of cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) and apex locators in determining working length of the root canal. Material and method Endodontic procedure was performed according to established endodontic protocol on 98 teeth. Teeth were divided into two groups: single-rooted and multi-rooted teeth. In both groups, working length was measured with an apex locator (Woodpex III) and CBCT (Planmeca Viso). In multi-rooted teeth, the canals were classified according to their morphological position into the groups Lingvomesial (LM), Buccomesial (BM), Bucodistal (BD), Palatal (P) and Distal (D) canals. Root canal length was determined by a dentist using apex locator at the University of Banja Luka while CBCT analysis was performed by a radiology engineer at the 3DENT radiology center in Banja Luka. Results CBCT odontometry had small deviations from apex locator odontometry. The mean value of the absolute difference between CBCT measurement and apex locator measurement was the smallest in the group of linguomesial canals (0.284 mm), and the largest in the group of distal canals of the lower molars (1.939 mm). Based on the results of the Mann-Whitney U test, it was concluded that there was no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in measured length of the root canal between the two methods in all groups of roots of multi-rooted teeth as well as in the group of single-rooted teeth. Conclusion CBCT odontometry is as reliable as apex locator odontometry.