Avaliação, in vivo, da confiabilidade do localizador apical Novapex na determinação do comprimento de trabalho de instrumentação.

Abstract

The correct working length determination in a endodontic treatment is crucial to achieve apical tissues healing. The aim of this study was to test the electronic apex locator NOVAPEX reliability on this matter, using periapical radiographic, taken by the Bisecting anle technique, as comparision. In 220 root canal from 156 teeth, we had 126 non-vital pulps and 94 vital pulps. A file, 25 or 31mm long, depending on the apical third anatomic diameter, was inserted in the root canal and a radiography was taken at the point where NOVAPEX indicated 1mm of the apical foramina. These radiographs were digitalized with a specialized scanner and the distance between the file tip and the radiographic apical vertex was measured with the Photoshop 7.0 software. We considered trustful measurements those over 0.5mm and under 2.0mm. The results showed 96% of accurate measurements in vital pulps and 90% in nonvital pulps, with an global average of 92,3%. The distance average was -1.1 mm. Therefore it is posible to say that the apex locator NOVAPEX, when properly used, is an excelent tool to find the working length.