Effect of Triton all-in-one irrigant on electronic working length determination using two apex locators: an in vitro study

TL;DR

This study tested if a new all-in-one irrigant, Triton, affects the accuracy of measuring root canal length with electronic devices.

Contribution

The study introduces Triton as a potential time-saving irrigant that does not compromise apex locator accuracy.

Findings

Triton showed no significant difference in accuracy compared to traditional irrigants.

Dry canals resulted in significantly longer electronic measurements than actual lengths.

Both apex locators performed similarly across all conditions.

Abstract

This study evaluated whether Triton, a newly introduced all-in-one irrigant, affects the accuracy of electronic working length determination, and compared two electronic apex locators (Ai-Pex, Propex Pixi) under different irrigant conditions.

Forty-four extracted single-rooted human teeth were embedded in alginate. Actual working length was determined under a dental operating microscope. Specimens were assigned to four groups (Triton, 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, 10% citric acid, dry canal). Electronic working lengths were measured with Ai-Pex and Propex Pixi using #15 K-files. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) following normality assessment, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

No significant differences occurred among Triton, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and citric acid groups (p > 0.05). Dry canal measurements were significantly longer than the actual working length measured under a dental operating microscope (p < 0.05). Both apex locators showed comparable accuracy.

Triton did not reduce apex locator precision, supporting its potential as a time-saving irrigant that permits simultaneous irrigation and measurement. Further clinical validation is required.

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