Apex location is a method of determining the length of the root canal of a tooth - manually or with a mechanical canal instrument that passes a low intensity electrical current through the tooth.
Root Canals are indicated when severe decay has invaded the root canal, which houses nerve, pulp and soft areas within the canal. This decay can lead to infection, abscess and loss of tooth. An endodontist will remove these diseased tissues and clean the canal to prevent or eliminate infection. The canal is then sealed with a hard thermoplastic latex. Your general dentist may refer you to an endodontist, a dentist with advanced training who specializes in the soft tissues and root canals of the teeth.
The clinician must first assess area, locate and measure the root and determine the appropriate procedure and tools. Digital x-rays may be used, in addition to an Apex Locator, a sonar probe that is used to locate the tip of the root and provides 32-times magnification of the area. The clinician may also use blunt Endodontic Explorers to locate the canal opening and explore the root canal.
The Adaptive method of measurement is implemented by the so-called electronic apex locator. In the process of penetrating the instrument makes continuous measurements and selects a suitable method of measurement. In case of dry canal the device uses the method of Prof. Sonada. In case of wet canal the device automatically adjusts the measurement method of Professor Kobayashi. The adaptive method is highly accurate and does not require moistening or drying the canal.
An electronic apex locator is an electronic device used in endodontics determine the position of the apical foramen and thus determine the length of the root canal space. The apex of the root has a specific resistance to electrical current, and this is measured using a pair of electrodes typically hooked into the lip and attached to an endodontic file. The electronic principle is relatively simple and is based on electrical resistance; when a circuit is complete (tissue is contacted by the tip of the file), resistance decreases markedly and current suddenly begins to flow. According to the device[clarification needed], this event is signaled by a beep, a buzz, a flashing light, digital readouts, or a pointer on a dial.
Adaptive Apex Locator overcomes as the disadvantages of the popular apex locators 4th generation – low accuracy on working in wet canals, as well the disadvantages of devices V th generation – difficulty on working in dry canals and necessarily of compulsory, additional wetting. Adaptive Apex Locatorcontinuously defines humidity of the canal and immediately adapts for dry or wet canal. On this way is possible to be measured as in dry and in additional wetted canals as well, canals with blood or exudates, canals with still not-extirpated pulp.
