Comparison of Manual and Mechanical Glide Path Techniques for Measuring Root Canal Length Using Standalone Apex Locator and an Endomotor With built-in Apex Locator.

NCT07526818 | Active Not Recruiting DMC

• 1 other identifier: IRB4481/DUHS/Approval/2026/113
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 104
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study is designed to compare two commonly used methods for measuring the length of the root canal during root canal treatment. Accurate measurement of the root canal is very important because it helps dentists clean, shape, and fill the canal properly, which improves the success of the treatment and reduces the risk of complications. In this study, two different techniques will be evaluated. The first method uses small hand instruments (manual technique) to create a smooth pathway inside the root canal before measuring its length. The second method uses a machine-assisted system (mechanical technique) that creates this pathway automatically. Both methods use special electronic devices called apex locators, which help determine the exact length of the root canal more accurately than traditional X-rays alone. Participants in this study will be patients who require root canal treatment on lower molar teeth. If you agree to take part, you will receive standard root canal treatment similar to routine dental care. The only difference is the method used to prepare the canal and measure its length, which will be randomly assigned. This means neither you nor the dentist will choose the method, ensuring fair comparison. The procedure will include taking dental X-rays, administering local anesthesia, cleaning and shaping the root canal, and filling it after measurement. All steps follow standard dental practices and safety protocols. Your treatment will not be compromised in any way by participating in the study. The purpose of this research is to determine which method is more accurate, efficient, and reliable. The results may help improve future dental treatments by guiding dentists toward better techniques, ultimately benefiting patients through safer and more effective care. Participation in this study is completely voluntary. You have the right to refuse participation or withdraw at any time without affecting your dental treatment. All personal and medical information will be kept confidential and used only for research purposes. There are minimal risks involved, as all procedures are part of routine root canal treatment. You may not receive direct personal benefit, but your participation will contribute to improving dental care for others in the future.

Conditions

Endodontic Treatment

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Electronic working length (in millimeters) of root canals

  The primary outcome measure is the electronic working length (in millimeters) of root canals as determined by either a standalone apex locator or an endomotor with built-in apex locator, following manual or mechanical glide path preparation.

  1 hour.

Study Arms (2)

Group 1: Control

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Group 1( Control): ): Manual glide path with size 10 K-file, working length determined by Root ZX II, confirmed radiographically.

Device: Electronic Apex locators

Group 2: Intervention

EXPERIMENTAL

Group 2 (Intervention): Mechanical glide path using E-connect S+ with auto apical stop function, confirmed radiographically

Device: Endomotor with built-in apex locator E Connect S+

Interventions

Electronic Apex locators DEVICE

Manual glide path with size 10 K-file, working length determined by Root ZX II, confirmed radiographically.

Group 1: Control

Endomotor with built-in apex locator E Connect S+ DEVICE

Creating Mechanical glide path using E-connect S+ with auto apical stop function, confirmed radiographically

Group 2: Intervention

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 60 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)

You may qualify if:

• Both sex.
• Aged 18 to 60 years.
• Lower first permanent molars seeking root canal treatment.
• Teeth exhibiting symptomatic irreversible pulpitis with normal periapical tissues.
• Teeth with mature apex.
• visible canals from orifice to apex.

You may not qualify if:

• Teeth with metallic restorations or previous root treated teeth.
• Fractured , teeth with immature apices, or developmental anomalies.
• Systemic disease and immune deficiency.
• Canals where the mechanical glide path could not be established.
• Teeth with canal calcification or root resorption.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Dow University of Health Sciences: lead

Study Sites (1)

Dow University Of health Sciences.

Karachi, Sindh, 75600, Pakistan

Location

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: OTHER
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Principal Investigator

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: April 7, 2026
• First Posted: April 13, 2026
• Study Start: March 26, 2026
• Primary Completion (Estimated): March 25, 2027
• Study Completion (Estimated): March 25, 2027
• Last Updated: April 27, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Locations

PA (1)