Accuracy of Electronic Apex Locators During Retreatment With Organic Gutta‐Percha Solvents

Background: This study aimed to compare the accuracy of electronic apex locators (EALs) during the retreatment procedure using organic gutta‐percha solvents. Methods: The actual working length (AWL) was determined with a stereomicroscope on 72 single‐rooted teeth selected for the study. After the obturation, the teeth were embedded in an alginate mold and divided into 3 groups ( n = 24) based on the gutta‐percha solvent used: eucalyptol, turpentine, and orange oil. Once the solvents were applied, the WL was measured using the Root ZX Mini and Woodpex III. Two‐way ANOVA and Fisher’s exact test were performed using SPSS with a 5% significance threshold. Results: There was no significant difference in the accuracy of the EALs among the solvent groups ( p > 0.05). Root ZX Mini showed accuracies of 40%, 41.7%, and 80% within ±0.5 mm for eucalyptol, turpentine, and orange oil, respectively, while the corresponding values for Woodpex III were 30%, 41.7%, and 70%. No overestimation (deviation from AWL > 0.5 mm) was observed with either device when orange oil was used. Conclusion: Different types of EALs demonstrated acceptable determination of WL when using different gutta‐percha solvents. The absence of overestimation in the orange oil group may affect clinical preferences.