| 摘要 |
An electrically conductive endodontic instrument coated with a non- conductive layer on a portion of the instrument wherein a proximal and distal portion of the instrument remain uncoated and capable of conducting current therethrough using a traditional apex locator or other alerting means. The non-conductive coatings avoid electrical interference from prior restorative work and anatomical variants. The coatings may be smooth to minimize resistance in the endodontic working space or relatively abrasive to facilitate filing where desired. A method for locating the apex of a tooth utilizing an endodontic instrument coated with an electrically non- conductive layer wherein a proximal and distal portion of the instrument remain uncoated and wherein the instrument is advanced in a root canal space toward the apex of a tooth. When the distal portion of the file makes contact with the apex, and a conductive portion of the file is placed in electrical contact with an apex locator, or other alerting means, the contact actuates an alert thereby establishing canal depth while the coated portion of the instrument avoids electrical artifact from prior restorative work and variant anatomy. |
