Electronic apex locator
Electronic Apex Locator
The Electronic Apex Locator (pronunciation: e-lek-tron-ik apex loh-key-ter) is a device used in endodontic therapy to determine the position of the apical foramen.
Etymology
The term "Electronic Apex Locator" is derived from the English words "electronic", referring to the device's use of electrical signals, "apex", referring to the tip or end of something, and "locator", referring to the device's function of locating or identifying a specific point or position.
Function
The Electronic Apex Locator functions by measuring the electrical resistance between two points: the periodontal ligament and the oral mucosa. This measurement allows the device to accurately determine the length of the root canal, which is crucial for successful root canal treatment.
Related Terms
- Endodontics: The branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the tooth root, dental pulp, and surrounding tissue.
- Apical foramen: The opening at the apex of the root of a tooth, through which the nerve and blood vessels that supply the dental pulp pass.
- Root canal treatment: A dental procedure to treat infection at the centre of a tooth (the root canal system).
- Periodontal ligament: The connective tissue that surrounds the roots of teeth and connects them to the jawbone.
- Oral mucosa: The mucous membrane lining the inside of the mouth.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Electronic apex locator
- Wikipedia's article - Electronic apex locator
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