Effect of cell phone radiation on electronic apex locator

Establishment of accurate working length is very crucial for the success of endodontic therapy. With the advent of electronic apex locators, working length determination can be done without exposing the patient for X-ray radiation. These electronic apex locators can be affected by generation of electromagnetic interference by the cell phones radiation. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of cell phone radiation on electronic apex locator. A total no. of 30 patients with single rooted teeth with Type I anatomy indicated for root canal treatment were selected. Preoperative and a working length determination intraoral radiographs are taken, reconfirmed with an apex locator, with the operators, assistants and patients cell phone placed next to it under four different conditions. The conditions were grouped into, Group I: No cell phone within one metre radius of the dental chair; Group II, II and IV cell phone in standby mode, with Bluetooth and Wi-fi activated and in ringing mode respectively. This study concluded that apex locators can be interfered when cell phones are closer to them and activated by a callbut not interfered when cell phones are in standby mode or activated by Bluetooth and Wi-fi.