Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of residual calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)2] on the accuracy of an electronic apex locator (EAL).
Materials and methods: Working lengths (WLs) of 56 extracted maxillary incisors were determined initially by two different methods. The first method used the 'APEX' reading of the EAL as a reference point, 0.5 mm was subtracted and recorded as WL0. The second method used the '0.5' reading and the score was recorded as WL0.5 without subtraction. The roots were prepared to WL0 and divided randomly into three experimental groups (n = 16) (1 mm in group A, 2 mm in group B and 4 mm in group C) and a control (n = 8). Specimens in all experimental groups were filled with Ca(OH)2 paste. Following its removal, WLs were re-determined with the same methods.
Results: In group C, pre/post WLs were significantly different (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between the other experimental groups and the control group.
Conclusion: Accuracy of EAL decreased proportionally with the amount of paste remaining at the ±0.5-mm tolerance level. Ca(OH)2 paste remnants may cause incorrect EAL readings.
Keywords: apex locator accuracy; calcium hydroxide; endodontics.