SIX

GENERATIONS OF
APEX LOCATORS
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 APEX LOCATORS
An ideal root canal treatment comprises of removal of
the infected or inflamed pulp tissue and cleaning and
shaping of the canals till the apical constriction
followed by 3D filing of the root canal with a
biocompatible inert substitute. In order to achieve this,
determination of an accurate length of the roots is
essential. Working length determination plays a major
role in assessing the prognosis of root canal therapy.

In the case of improper working length, one of two

undesirable outcomes is inevitable namely, over
instrumentation or under instrumentation. Over
instrumentation leads to damage of the periapical
tissues, whereas under instrumentation results in
inadequate debridement of the apical portion,
ultimately leading to failure of endodontic therapy.
HOW DO APEX
LOCATORS
WORK?
The root apex has a specific resistance that it
offers to the electrical current. This is measured
using two terminals guided into the lip and
connected to the endodontic file. The idea behind
the working of the apex locator is that once the
circuit is finished (the file is in contact with the
tissue), there is a diminution in resistance and flow
in current. This event is signaled by a beep, flashing
lights, digital readouts or pointers on the device to
alert the operator.
 GENERATIONS OF APEX
LOCATORS

THE CONSISTENT RESEARCH AND ADVANCEMENT IN

DENTISTRY HAS RESULTED IN 6 GENERATIONS OF APEX
LOCATORS.
1st
Generation
Apex
Locator:
The first generation of apex locators were
based on the finding that the electrical
resistance between the endodontic instrument
at the apical foramen and the electrode
attached to the mucous membrane was 6.5kW.
They were hence also known as resistane based
apex locators. They were developed in 1969 by
Onuki Medical Co., Tokyo, Japan as The Root
Canal Meter. But these devices were unreliable
when compared with radiographs with
discrepancies upto 6mm.
These apex locators measured the opposition to
the flow of the alternating current which is
impedance. They were hence also called
impedance based apex locators. They were of
single frequency impedance type. Impedance
comprises resistance and capacitance, having a
sinusoidal amplitude trace

2nd
Generation
Apex
Locator:
3rd
Generation
Apex
Locator:
The difference in third generation apex locators
when compared to the second generation
variants was that the former used multiple
frequencies in determining the distance from
the apex. With more powerful microprocessors
these apex locators have the ability to process
the mathematical quotient and algorithm
calculations that are essential in giving accurate
readings.
The fourth generation of apex locators used
two separate frequencies, 400Hz and 8kHz.
This was similar to the third generation units.
However, manufacturers claimed that the using
one frequency at a time in combination with
basing measurements on the root mean square
values of the signals, increased the accuracy in
measurement and as a result the reliability of
the device.

4th
Generation
Apex
Locator:
5th
Generation
Apex
Locator:
In 2003, the fifth generation of apex locator
devices were developed. They measured the
resistance and capacitance of the circuit
separately. The addition of a diagnostic table
including statistics of values at different
positions made it easier to diagnose the position
of the file. Considerable difficulties were faced,
while operating in dry canals.
The sixth generation of adaptive apex locators,
overcome the disadvantages o 4th and 5th
generation of apex locators which have
displayed low accuracy when working with wet
and dry canals respectively. The advantage of
this generation of apex locators is that they
continuously define the humidity of the canal
and adapt to the dry of wet canal. This makes it
possible for it to be used in dry and wetted
canals as well. Moreover, their usage can be
extended to canals with blood or exudates and
canals in which the pulp has not been
extirpated.

6th
Generation
Apex
Locator:
 POINTS TO KEEP IN MIND WHILE
USING APEX LOCATORS:
Using apex locators to accurately determine the working length has a learning
curve. The following points can be useful while using apex locators:

Cover the endodontic file with EDTA prior to entering the canal
Isolation is significant to avoid any conducting material between the lip
hook and the endodontic file
Avoiding file contact with metallic restorations is recommended
Using files that are very loose in the canal might show wobbling results
While using apex locators in Class II deep cavities, salivary contamination
should be avoided
Use apex locators after complete pulp extirpation and irrigation with
sodium hypochlorite
Sometimes dry canals can display improper results too, wherein slightly
wetting the canal with NaOCl is recommended
Pre endodontic restorations can aid in avoiding contamination by saliva
Apex locators can be used to detect perforations too
Advance the file till the apex locator reads APEX, showing that the file is
patent. Then slowly retract to find the apical constriction
HOW TO BUY APEX LOCATORS
ONLINE IN INDIA?
Most of the brands import apex locators from
abroad and sell it in India through their brand
partners. Major brands have more than 1
product and are highly sought-after by
dentists throughout the country. You can
order Apex Locators online or offline, however
ordering online will help you in comparing
prices, checking reviews and shortlisting the
best products.
WHY BUY APEX LOCATORS
FROM PINKBLUE.IN?
You can buy apex locators online in India from
PinkBlue.in. We have the largest collection of
Apex Locators from over 14 brands and across
price ranges. Bombay Dental Rootor, Coltene
Canal Pro, Ionyx Locapex Five, Kerr Apex Id
and Micro Mega MM Control are some of the
quality devices available online at PinkBlue.in
Apex locators come with the option for Cash
on Delivery, Free Delivery, manufacturer
warranty and more offers when you buy from
PinkBlue.in.
THANK-YOU
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