Background: The use of electronic apex locators for working length determination eliminates many of the problems associated with the radiographic measurements (interference of anatomical structures, errors in projection such as elongation or shortening, and lack of three-dimensional representation). Its most important advantage over radiography is that it measures the length of the root canal to the apical constriction, not to the radiographic apex. The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of a new fifth generation apex locator (Joypex 5) in recording the apical constriction and comparing it with a third generation apex locator (Root ZX) in vitro. Materials and method: Twenty four single-rooted sound human premolars, extracted for the purpose of orthodontic treatment and with fully-formed roots, were used in this study. Endodontic access cavity was prepared in each tooth and canal patency up to the apical foramen was checked with a #15 stainless steel K-file. No root canal preparation was performed. Root canal length measurement was done directly and electronically using two apex locators (Joypex 5 and Root ZX). Direct measurement of the root canal length was done by introducing a #15 K-file inside the root canal until its tip was just visible at the apical foramen, then removed from the root canal and its length was measured (in mm) and subtracted by 0.5 mm. For electronic measurement, the teeth were fixed in a sponge soaked in saline and the root canals were also filled with saline. The lip electrode was attached to the sponge and the apex locators were used according to the manufacturers' instructions. The file holder was clipped to the metal shaft of a #15 K-file and the file was then inserted inside the root canal and advanced until the display reading on the LCD of the apex locator was "0.5". The file was then removed from the root canal and its length was measured (in mm). The differences between the readings of each apex locator and the actual length of each canal were computed, and the results were analyzed statistically by paired t-test using SPSS Version 13. Results: The results of this study showed that the Joypex 5 apex locator showed a lower mean difference than the Root ZX apex locator as compared with the actual length, which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Concerning the accuracy of the two apex locators, Joypex 5 apex locator recorded the apical constriction exactly in 67%, while the Root ZX apex locator in only 25%. Within ±0.5 mm from the actual length, the accuracy of the Joypex 5 and the Root ZX were 83% and 67%, respectively. Within ±1 mm from the actual length, the accuracy of the Joypex 5 and the Root ZX were 100% and 96%, respectively. Conclusion: The Joypex 5 apex locator which is a fifth generation apex locator was more accurate in recording the apical constriction as compared with the Root ZX apex locator which is a third generation apex locator.
Vol. 6, Issue 1 (2025)
Municipal solid waste generation in Babylon Governorate is often affected by changes in lifestyles, population growth, social and cultural habits and improved economic conditions. This effect will make it difficult to plan and draw up future plans for solid waste management.In this study, municipal solid waste was divided into residential and commercial solid wastes. Residential solid wastes were represented by household wastes, while commercial solid wastes included commercial, institutional and municipal services wastes.For residential solid wastes, the relational stratified random sampling was implemented, that is the total population should be divided into clusters (socio-income level), a random sample was taken in e
... Show MoreThis paper sheds the light on the vital role that fractional ordinary differential equations(FrODEs) play in the mathematical modeling and in real life, particularly in the physical conditions. Furthermore, if the problem is handled directly by using numerical method, it is a far more powerful and efficient numerical method in terms of computational time, number of function evaluations, and precision. In this paper, we concentrate on the derivation of the direct numerical methods for solving fifth-order FrODEs in one, two, and three stages. Additionally, it is important to note that the RKM-numerical methods with two- and three-stages for solving fifth-order ODEs are convenient, for solving class's fifth-order FrODEs. Numerical exa
... Show MoreABSTRACT Background: Bracket rebonding is a common problem in orthodontics which may result in many drawbacks. The aims of this study were to evaluate the effects of application of two enamel protective agents “Icon†and “ProSeal†on shear bond strength before and after rebonding of stainless steel orthodontic brackets using conventional orthodontic adhesive and to assess the site of bond failure. Materials and methods: Fifty sound extracted human upper first premolar teeth were selected and randomly divided into two equal groups; the first time bonding and the rebonding groups (n=30). Each group was subdivided into control, Icon and ProSeal subgroups. The enamel protective agents were applied after etching (precondi
... Show MoreBackground: Prophylaxis methods are used to mechanically remove plaque and stain from tooth surfaces; such methods give rise to loss of superficial structure and roughen the surface of composites as a result of their abrasive action. This study was done to assess the effect of three polishing systems on surface texture of new anterior composites after storage in artificial saliva. Materials and methods: A total of 40 Giomer and Tetric®N-Ceram composite discs of 12 mm internal diameter and 3mm height were prepared using a specially designed cylindrical mold and were stored in artificial saliva for one month and then samples were divided into four groups according to surface treatment: Group A (control group):10 specimens received no surfa
... Show MoreABSTRACT Background:Hydrogen absorption and related degradation in the mechanical properties of Ni-Ti based orthodontic wires has been demonstrated following exposure to fluoride prophylactic agents. This study was designed to investigate the effects of three fluoride containing agents on the load deflection characteristics of heat activated nickel titanium arch wires during unloading phase. Material and method: Eighty specimens of heat activated nickel titanium arch wires were obtained from Ortho Technology Company, half of which had a 0.016 inch round and 0.019x0.025 rectangular. Ten specimens from both wire size were immersed in one of the tested fluoride prophylactic agents (neutral sodium fluoride gel, stannous fluoride gel or phos-flu
... Show MoreThe aim of the research is to identify the imaginative thinking skills included in the content of the chemistry textbook for fifth-grade students in biological sciences at the preparatory stage, which is approved by the Ministry of Education, General Directorate of Curricula in the academic year 2020-2021. To achieve the objective of the study, the researcher depends on the previous studies in the field and content of imaginative thinking skills for preparing a list of skills that includes (3) essential skills and (11) sub-skills and (28) items related to all skills. The researcher adopted the analytical descriptive approach because of its appropriation of the goals of the research. Then the researcher analyzed the content of the book de
... Show MoreBackground: The study was designed for the assessment of the knowledge of medical students regarding pandemics. In the current designed study, the level of awareness was checked and the majority of students were found aware of SARS-CoV and SARS-Cov2 (Covid-19).
Objective: To assess the awareness of SARS-CoV and SARS-Cov2 (Covid-19) among medical students of Pakistan.
Subjects and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out in different universities of Pakistan from May to August 2020. A self-constructed questionnaire by Pursuing the clinical and community administration of COVID-19 given by the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China was used am
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