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Is there any difference in length measurement methods for pulpectomies in primary teeth?—A double‐blind, controlled clinical trial
Author(s) -
Alencar Nashalie Andrade,
Oriano Marcela D'Avila,
Bolan Michele,
Cardoso Mariane
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
international journal of paediatric dentistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.183
H-Index - 62
eISSN - 1365-263X
pISSN - 0960-7439
DOI - 10.1111/ipd.12567
Subject(s) - pulpectomy , medicine , radiography , dentistry , root canal , apex (geometry) , molar , significant difference , orthodontics , statistical significance , surgery , anatomy
Background Working length is an important step in primary teeth pulpectomy. Aim To evaluate whether there is a significant difference in the accuracy of electronic apex locators compared to the conventional radiography in working length measurements. Design Sixty‐four children (192 canals) between 5 and 9 years of age with indication for pulpectomy of a primary molar were included after eligibility criteria. A radiographic measurement was obtained from pre‐operative radiography from the cusp tip to the apex or resorption of the root. The electronic measurement was obtained from a complete measurement of the canal with an electronic device up to the apex. Data were analysed with Bland‐Altman plots and Wilcoxon test. Statistical significance was set at P ≤ .05. Results Statistically, there is not any significant difference between radiographic and electronic measurements for the palatal canal or distal canal, as well as mesiobuccal canals ( P > .05). Statistically, there, however, is a significant difference between the measurements for the distobuccal canal and mesiolingual canal measurements ( P < .05). High internal consistency for both radiographic and electronic methods was achieved (α ≅ 1). Conclusions Electronic and radiographic methods are similar in determining the length measurement of the root canals in primary teeth pulpectomies, except in distobuccal or mesiolingual canals.