Newer Generation Apex Locators - A Review

Dr. Saloni Sinha, Dr. B S Keshava Prasad

Abstract: An apex locator is a dental electronic equipment used to detect the length of a root canal. This technology has revolutionized the way root canal treatments are performed, improving accuracy and reducing the risk of overfilling or perforation. Over the years, several generations of apex locators have been developed, each with their own unique features. In clinical endodontics, determining the exact position of this termination point has always been challenging. The working length was historically determined using conventional radiography until the development of modern electronic apex locators (EALs). EALs have received a lot of attention since they were first introduced over 50 years ago. The first - generation apex locators were introduced in the 1990s and used a low - frequency current to measure the resistance of the tissue. They were accurate but were affected by various factors like moisture and blood. There have been development since then which led to development of several generations of apex locators. Overall, with each new generation of apex locators, the accuracy and reliability of these devices have significantly improved, making root canal procedures faster, safer, and more efficient. This article reviews the working principles, advantages and disadvantages of newer generation apex locators.

Keywords: Electronic apex locators, working length, apical foramen, root canals, endodontics