Clinical evaluation of the measuring accuracy of ROOT ZX in primary teeth

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of an electronic device (Root ZX; Morita, Tokyo, Japan) for measuring the root canal length in primary teeth.

Study design: The pulp tissue was removed from 71 nonrestorable teeth scheduled to be extracted under general anesthesia, and the root canals (n = 105) were irrigated (H(2)O(2), 3%; NaOCl, 1%). Subsequently, the length was determined clinically with the electronic device prior to extraction. Treatments were performed by 2 dentists (42 and 63 root canals). After extraction, the real length was recorded and the 2 measurements were compared.

Results: Measurements were affected significantly by the dentists (P < .01; chi(2)). However, regression analysis revealed sufficient accuracy of the device, with a tendency to estimate the root canal length just short (x = -0.98 +/- 1.75 mm) of the apex. These results were not influenced by tooth type, root canal type, status of the periapex, or clinical condition (P > .05; chi(2)).

Conclusion: Root ZX can be strongly recommended for clinical implementation of endodontics in primary teeth, particularly when treating fidgety children.