Evaluating the Specificity and Sensitivity of Electronic Apex Locator Compared to Photostimulable Phosphor Radiographs for Establishing the Working Length in Pulpectomy of Primary Mandibular Second Molar With and Without Root Resorption – An In Vivo Study

The working length has been determined by using convention radiograph and digital radiographs RVG. Compared to conventional radiographs RVG has certain advantages, which include an instantaneous display of the image on a viewing screen that eliminates the time and equipment required for film processing and also provides an additional ability to alter the displayed image that enhances the capability to identify details. The RVG image may be altered by varying the contrast in the grayscale, by reversal of the black and white aspects of the image (negative-to-positive conversion), and by selectively enlarging the screen image (the zoom feature)

Presently digital radiographs with photostimulable storage phosphor (PSP) plates have been widely used in clinical practice owing to their convenience and lower radiation dose compared to conventional radiographs. Among the currently used digital receptors, flexibility of PSP is considered an advantage compared to charge-coupled devices (CCD) and also image quality is very good both in low and high doses at PSP.The purpose is to assess the specificity and sensitivity of the EAL (Electronic Apex Locator, Root ZX II) compared to Digital PSP radiographs in determining the accurate length of root canals in primary mandibular second molars with and without resorption. Determining accurate root canal length is an important part of successful root canal therapy in primary teeth in order to minimize periapical injury and possible damage to succedaneous teeth. The accurate root canal length of primary teeth is difficult to predict because of the pattern of root resorption, which is either a physiological process in the lifespan of primary teeth or a pathological outcome due to periapical pathosis. The size, shape, and position of the root apices of primary teeth show continuous alteration. For this reason, it becomes difficult to accurately determine the root canal length of primary teeth. Therefore, one of the main concerns in the root canal treatment of primary teeth is to determine how far instruments should be advanced within the root canal and at what point the preparation and filling should terminate.