This study compared the accuracy of Root ZX mini apex locator in presence of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in primary molars with and without apical resorption. Sixty-four extracted primary lower molar teeth with 32 root resorption and 32 without resorption were selected. To determine the actual working length (AWL), a K-file was inserted into the root canal until the tip of the file was visible at the major foramen or the resolution level. It was then withdrawn 1 mm. This value was recorded as AWL. The teeth were then divided subgroups (with/without NaOCl). To determine the electronic working length, a Root ZX mini apex locator in canals with/without NaOCl was used. A K-file was inserted into the canal to just beyond the foramen, as indicated by the flashing "APEX" bar, and the electronic working length was determined by subtracting 1 mm from this length. The deviation of the Root ZX mini measurement from the AWL was determined. Student's t -test was used for statistical analysis. In teeth with no resorption, the measurement accuracy rates (within+/-0.5 mm) of non-NaOCl and NaOCl groups were 84.37% and 81.25%, respectively ( p > 0.05); within+/-1 mm, the non-NaOCl and NaOCl demonstrated 100% and 96.87% accuracy, respectively ( p > 0.05). In teeth with resorption, the measurement accuracy rates (within+/-0.5 mm) was 81.25% for the non-NaOCl and 62.50% for the NaOCl, respectively ( p < 0.05). The measurement accuracy rates (within+/-1 mm) of the non-NaOCl and NaOCl was 96.87% and 84.37%, respectively ( p < 0.05). The presence of NaOCl in the root canal affected the accuracy of the Root ZX mini in primary teeth with apical resorption, but not in teeth without resorption.
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