Apex Locator – Root Canal Finder
Successful root canal therapy requires accurate location of the apical foramen. An apex locator is used in conjunction with radiography, in many cases, as an additional measure to ensure proper determination of canal length.
Apex Locator Purchase – Things To Consider
The modern apex locator is a small, light weight unit which typically operates off batteries when necessary to increase portability. They all have some form of display to indicate the approximate distance of the file tip to the apex, and to show when the apical foramen is reached. Many have audible alarms which can be set to the operators preference for an additional indication to ensure accuracy of measurement.
Apex Locator Autoclavable Components
Components coming into contact with the patient are typically lip clips (or electrodes), and file clips (or holders). These items can be expected to wear out over time, especially with autoclave requirements, and are available for purchase through the manufacturers. The cost (when available) of these items is included in the apex locator comparison below, as this should be considered prior to purchase. The table is a good comparison of some of the top selling apex locator units we have looked at, but does not include all of the excellent units available.
| Product | Retail Price | Warranty | Screen | Lip Clip | File Clip | Manufacturer Link | Read Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| J. Morita Root ZX II | $999.00 | 1 year | LCD 3" X 4" | 5/pkg $46.50 | 5/pkg $128 | J.MORITA | ROOT ZX II |
| NSK Ipex | $970 | 1 Year | LCD 2.5" X 2" | NSK USA | IPEX | ||
| Dentsply Propex | $899 | 1 Year | LCD 3.2" X 2" | 5/pkg $48 | 2/pkg $56 | DENTSPLY | |
| Sybron Endo Elements | $1200 | 1 Year | LCD 2" X 3" | 5/pkg $31.50 | each $17 | SYBRON ENDO | ELEMENTS |
| J. Morita Tri Auto ZX | $2140 | 1 Year | LCD .5" X 2" | 5/pkg $50.40 | 5/pkg $141 | J. MORITA | TRI AUTO ZX |
| LGE Apx-21 | $875 | 2 Year | LCD 3.5" X 1.4" | 2/pkg $19 | each $40 | LGE | |
| Sybron Endo Mini | $539 | 3 Year | N/A | 5/pkg $31 | 3/pkg $45 | SYBRON ENDO | MINI |