Skip to main content
OpenTrials
Active, Not Recruiting

NCT Number: NCT07526818

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.

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.

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

Notify Me

Key information

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Dow University Of health Sciences.

Karachi, Sindh, 75600, Pakistan

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • 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.
  • 3 visible canals from orifice to apex.

-

Exclusion criteria

  • 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.

Treatment and study plan

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

Electronic Apex locators

Device

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

Primary outcomes

  1. Electronic working length (in millimeters) of root canals

    Time frame: 1 hour.

    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.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Dow University of Health Sciences

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of Mechanical and Manual Glide Path Techniques for Electronic Working Length Measurement Using Built-in or Standalone Apex Locator: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2027
First posted
Apr 13, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 27, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

Published trials that share one or more normalized conditions with this study.