EC Dental Science

Research Article Volume 24 Issue 8 - 2025

To Compare the Accuracy of Working Length Determination in Primary Teeth Using Conventional Radiography, Apex Locator and CBCT Scan Technique: An In Vitro Study

Ruchi Mankar1*, Arpana Bansal2*, Babita Niranjan3, Prachi Sijeria3 and Ankit Pachori4

1Post Graduate, Department of Pediatrics and Preventive Dentistry, Rishiraj College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

2Professor and Head, Department of Pediatrics and Preventive Dentistry, Rishiraj College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

3Professor, Department of Pediatrics and Preventive Dentistry, Rishiraj College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

4Reader, Department of Pediatrics and Preventive Dentistry, Rishiraj College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India

*Corresponding Author: Arpana Bansal, Professor and Head, Department of Pediatrics and Preventive Dentistry, Rishiraj College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India.
Received: July 04, 2025; Published: July 26, 2025



Accurate working length (WL) determination is critical for successful pulpectomy in primary teeth. This study compared the accuracy of conventional radiography (CR), electronic apex locator (EAL), and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in determining WL in 45 extracted primary single-rooted teeth. CBCT served as the gold standard. Results revealed statistically significant differences in mean WL measurements: CR (12.88 ± 2.05 mm), EAL (12.24 ± 2.21 mm), and CBCT (11.28 ± 1.95 mm) (p = 0.002). CR overestimated WL compared to CBCT (p = 0.001), while EAL showed no significant deviation (p = 0.077). Regression analysis indicated 87% accuracy for CR and 82% for EAL relative to CBCT. EAL demonstrated comparable precision to CBCT, suggesting its reliability as a radiation-free alternative. CBCT provided the most precise measurements, highlighting its utility in complex pediatric cases. The findings advocate for EAL in routine practice and CBCT for anatomically challenging scenarios.

 Keywords: Working Length; Primary Teeth; Pulpectomy; Electronic Apex Locator; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; Conventional Radiography

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Arpana Bansal., et al. “To Compare the Accuracy of Working Length Determination in Primary Teeth Using Conventional Radiography, Apex Locator and CBCT Scan Technique: An In Vitro Study”. EC Dental Science  24.8 (2025): 01-09.

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