Have you ever wondered what you would do without your apex locator at your dental clinic? Surely you have realized the need to find one that suits your daily needs. The apex locators are electronic instruments used in endodontics that measure impedance, frequency and the resistance of the surrounding material to locate the working length of the root canal to endodontics. The correct determination of dental length is a crucial factor for the success of endodontic therapy.
The use of apex locators in endodontics is vital to carry out a correct dental treatment and it is necessary to choose the most suitable one among the great variety that exists in the market. For this reason, today we bring you an article in which we tell you everything you need to know about its operations, characteristics and, in addition, we make it even easier for you! we bring you a selection of our best apex locators.
Source: Norden Dental Care
How do apex locators work?
For a correct endodontics, it is necessary to measure the length between a coronary point that we take as a reference, to another located at the apex of the tooth; process known in dentistry as conductometry. But, why is conductometry so important in endodontics? Below we will tell you the most important factors that make conductometry the most important step in endodontics:
- Determines the extensions to be able to introduce the instruments into the canal as well as the extensions of the tooth in which residues, tissues must be removed, among others.
- The extensions that it calculates, if they are correct, lead to a job well done with optimal results for the treatment.
- Reduces pain and discomfort in the patient.
The electronic apex locators use an electrical circuit, traversing the patient's root canal and oral tissues, to determine the location of the apical foramen. To set the ideal apical limit, conductometry is necessary and unavoidable. All apex locators have two electrodes, one is connected to an endodontic instrument, the other is connected to the patient's body (on the lip or an electrode in his hand). The electrical circuit is completed, when the instrument is introduced into the root canal in an apical direction, and touches the periodontal tissues.
Characteristics of apex locators in dentistry:
- The determination of length in Endodontics is one of the most complex and important steps of the treatment.
- The electronic apex locators use an electrical circuit to determine the location of the apical foramen.
- There are different types of locators with different principles by which they manage to determine longitudes. They are grouped into Generations: 1st generation, 2nd generation and 3rd generation.
- Modern electronic apex locators can determine lengths with precision greater than 90%, but have some limitations such as the need to minimize substances inside the canal, canal shape, etc.< /li>
- The use of apex locators does not have satisfactory results in immature teeth with open apices.
- It is prudent not to use them in patients with cardiac pacemakers or similar.
- The use of this instrument is relatively easy although it is necessary to learn and train before using it.
The best valued apex locators in Dentaltix:
The choice of the apex locator for your dental clinic is very important, since you have to take into account the characteristics of each locator to choose the most suitable and suitable one. We propose some examples that you can find on our website:
Woodpex lll Pro: Apex Locator:
The Woodpex III Pro is one of the latest, most advanced models for the diagnosis and localization of root canals, a substitute for the proven Woodpex III model, its improved properties make it make it the best companion for the endodontist with a great balance between price and performance.
Features of Woodpex lll PRO Apex Locator:
- Apex locator with an advanced multi-frequency impedance system for maximum precision in the measurement and trajectory of the files in root canal preparation treatments.
- LCD screen, bright and clear, which allows easy monitoring of the trajectory of the file in various colors.
- Its acoustic signals provide maximum safety to the dentist.
- Elegant and modern design, with a large screen and firm metal base.
- It works connected to the current.
- Accessories autoclavable.
- Large screen with adjustable inclination.
- It offers 98% accuracy, even with the root canal with blood and pulp it is able to discriminate false positives.
- Includes 2 lip hooks and 4 measurement leads.
iRoot Apex: Bondent Apex Locator:
This apex locator features a high-quality LCD display and touch panel for easy navigation. In addition, its Bluetooth technology allows it to be synchronized with the iRoot Pro endodontic engine for greater precision in treatment.
Features of iRoot Apex Bondent Apex Locator:
- Gyroscopic precision that allows the screen to automatically adjust to different angles and positions.
- Multi-frequency technology.
- Warns when the endodontic file is less than 2.2 mm from the apex.
Woodpex V: Apex Locator:
Woodpex V is more precise, advanced and with the possibility of connecting with some Woodpecker endodontic motors for their combined function. The use of the manual method for locating apices , based on the sensation of the hands and the pain of the patient, make the process of identification of the apex a subjective method with very low precision. In addition, the errors caused by radiographs are quite high, since taking a 2D 3D image from different angles easily causes incorrect data. Most of the apical foramen are found on the lateral edge, causing length errors.
Features of Woodpex V Apex Locator:
- Modern, elegant design, with a large screen and a firm metal base.
- The new update algorithm makes it more stable and enables higher anti-interference ability.
- Its radio frequency technology allows it to accurately measure when there is blood or residual pulp in the root canal.
- 97.71% accuracy capability
- The measurement result will not be affected by the type of tooth: incisors, canines, bicuspids and premolars.
- Its luminous, clear and tiltable LCD screen allows easy monitoring of the file in various colors and acoustic signals provide greater security.
- Automatic calibration system that ensures more accurate measurements.
- Its accessories are autoclavable.
- Compatible with endodontic motor Endo Smart+.
CanalPro: Apex locator:
The CanalPro Apex Locator is a highly innovative and accurate apex locator with a unique color 3D user interface or panel. Due to its ergonomic design and ease of use, Canalpro Apex Locator is the preferred choice in modern dental clinics.
Features of CanalPro Apex Locator:
- Localizer with 3D color LCD screen.
- It has a high measurement precision.
- It is characterized by being comfortable and fully automatic.
- It has interactive operation.
- Integrated demo mode.
- Virtual apex function.
- Provides audible warning with volume control.
- Integrated self-test for quick function check.
But this is not all, we also have some mini version apex locator such as Minipex from DTE or the Propex Pixi by Maillefer. What is clear is that the apex locators will facilitate your work in endodontic treatments. Its use is essential in dental clinics for this type of dental treatment and we want to provide you with the best materials and instruments so that you can do a correct job with your patients, and that you work in the most comfortable way possible. And if you want to be up-to-date with everything new in the dental sector, don't forget to follow us on social media!
Until next time!