Tips On How To Get An Accurate Reading Using Apex Locators

By Author: Charle Goster
Total Articles: 24
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An apex locator is a device used to measure the depth of the root of a tooth exposed by a large cavity. In such a case, a root canal procedure is essential to avoid extraction of the tooth. Professionals have found it important to precisely determine the root depth for them to be able to perform a proper root canal. This therefore makes apex locators a must have device in a dental office. Here are some tips that will help a professional achieve reliable readings from apex locators.

If you are using an apex locator for teeth with multiple canals, ensure that the chamber and especially the canals are dry. Manufacturers claim that apex locators work in moist environments. However, this only works for teeth with one canal. For teeth with multiple canals the fluid bridges from one canal to the other. The device will therefore not know what canal is being measured and will produce a jumpy reading. 

Something important a professional should keep in mind while using this device is that the locator’s file must ...
... always uphold a good electrical contact with the canal wall. A lean layer of viscous lubricant to coat the file improves the electrical contact between the file and the canal wall. Placing a curve in the file also increases the electrical contact.

A stable reading from an apex locator is achieved when the file size comes close to the size of the canal. To achieve this, one should increase the file size until you get a stable reading and advance the file until the apex locator reads APEX. You can then slowly pull the file back into the constriction of the foramen to get the precise “point of patency”. This now becomes the true canal length. You should aim to achieve patency as it is the requirement for accuracy when using this device. The apex locators produce tremendously accurate readings when the file is in and out of the canal. Where these two points meet, it is the “point of patency” (or rather the end of the canal).  It is also the accurate canal length.  

The world is changing and the way we obtain goods and services is also evolving therefore one should always be on the lookout to get better deals. When looking for a new apex locator first check around and see what market has to offer.

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