Clinical evaluation of parkell foramatron D-10 apex locator

To investigate the accuracy of Foramatron D-10 Apex Locator. A total of 32 canals of 32 teeth scheduled for extraction were selected from 10 patients. Foramatron D-10 apex locator was used to detect the apical foramen by positioning an endodontic file. The distance of the file tip to the apical foramen was observed and measured under a stereomicroscope. The accurate location within ±0.5 mm from the apical foramen was obtained in 75.0% of the canals. The file tip was situated short of apical foramen in 21.9%, coincided with it in 28.1%, beyond it in 50.1% in the case. The significant difference between vital and necrotic canals was not found( P 0.05). [Conclusions] Foramatron D-10 apex locator is a reliable device in determination of apical foramen, but radiography should also be used for diagnosis before root canal therapy .