Comparación de la precisión entre localizador apical integrado en motor endodóntico y dispositivos convencionales

Abstract

Introduction: To compare the accuracy of the integrated apex locator in the endodontic motor Ai Motor with that of conventional electronic apex locators (E-Pex Pro, Air Pex, and DPEX III) in determining working length. Materials and methods: Extracted mandibular premolars (n = 15) were used, and the actual canal length was determined under magnification. Subsequently, the working length was measured with the four electronic apex locators evaluated at impedances of 0.0 and 0.5. The obtained values ​​were compared with the actual canal length to evaluate the accuracy of each device. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used with a 5% significance level. Results: The DPEX III showed the highest accuracy at both impedances. The Ai Motor and E-Pex Pro showed accurate measurements only at 0.0 impedance, but their accuracy decreased to 0.5. The Air Pex performed similarly to the DPEX III at 0.0, but its accuracy was lower at 0.5. Significant differences in device accuracy were found depending on the impedance used (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The DPEX III is the most accurate at both impedances. The endodontic motor Ai Motor and E-Pex Pro are reliable only at 0.0, while the Air Pex is a valid alternative in this condition. Integration of the apex locator into an endodontic motor is promising, but its accuracy varies depending on the impedance.