Introduction:

Most studies have evaluated and compared the accuracy of electronic apex locators, but few have addressed the repeatability of the measurement method, and most are ex vivo.

Objective:

Compare the in vivo repeatability of three electronic apex locators in permanent upper front teeth.

Methods:

An analytic observational cross-sectional study was conducted of 14 healthy adult patients of both sexes with root canal therapy indicated in an upper front tooth. The consecutive case method was used to select the patients. Three electronic apex locators (Root ZX II, Canal Pro and RomiApex A-15) were used for root canal measurement. Two independent operators performed two measurements with each electronic apex locator. Data were analyzed using the Bland-Altman test to assess repeatability and the Friedman test to compare the apex locators.

Results:

Mean age (standard deviation) of the patients was 28.79 (± 9.12) years; 8 patients (57.1 %) were female. The mean differences (limits of agreement) of the measurements made by Root ZX, Canal Pro and RomiApex A-15 were 0.13 mm (± 0.42), 0.12 mm (± 0.88) and 0.18 (± 0.76) mm, respectively.

Conclusions:

Root ZX displayed the highest repeatability, followed by RomiApex. Statistically significant variations were not found between the locators as to absolute differences between the 1st and 2nd measurement.

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