In Vivo Evaluation of the Raypex 5 by Using Different Irrigants

Abstract Introduction The Raypex 5 is a fourth-generation electronic apex locator for which the accuracy in the presence of chlorhexidine (CHX) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) has not yet been tested in vivo . The aim of this in vivo study was to evaluate the performance of the Raypex 5 electronic apex locator in the presence of different irrigant solutions: 2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), 2% CHX, and 17% EDTA. Methods Thirty-four single-rooted human teeth that were scheduled for extraction were selected for the study. Measurements were performed with the Raypex 5 in the presence of different irrigant solutions: 2.5% NaOCl, 2% CHX, and 17% EDTA. After the teeth were extracted, a #10 K-file was used to determine the reference working length (RWL), which was established to 0.5 mm from the major foramen. The measurements of WL obtained with the different irrigants were compared by analysis of variance. Significance was set at P < .05. Results No significant differences were found among the experimental groups ( P = .18). The mean distance from the RWL to the file tip was –0.26 ± 1.14 mm when 17% EDTA was used, –0.03 ± 0.92 mm for 2% CHX, and 0.22 ± 0.93 mm for 2.5% NaOCl. Conclusions The Raypex 5 performed equally well irrespective of the irrigant used.