Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for detecting an apical position depending on the change in the impedance between a first electrode inserted into the root canal of the tooth of a patient and a second external electrode applied to a body surface of the patient. According to some embodiments, a regulated current such as an alternating current having a substantially constant amplitude is supplied between the two electrodes, and this current serves as a measurement signal. Alternatively or additionally, the frequency of the time varying (e.g. alternating) current is at least 50 KHZ, and/or at most about 300 KHZ. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed device includes a processing unit which determines a capacitance-governed function when the first electrode is in the apical region, and which determined a function at least moderately governed by resistance when the electrode is in the dental neck region. Optionally, the first electrode inserted into the root canal is a dental file or reamer.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for detecting an apical position depending on the change in the impedance between a first electrode inserted into the root canal of the tooth of a patient and a second external electrode applied to a body surface of the patient. According to some embodiments, a regulated current such as an alternating current having a substantially constant amplitude is supplied between the two electrodes, and this current serves as a measurement signal. Alternatively or additionally, the frequency of the time varying (e.g. alternating) current is at least 50 KHZ, and/or at most about 300 KHZ. In some embodiments, the presently disclosed device includes a processing unit which determines a capacitance-governed function when the first electrode is in the apical region, and which determined a function at least moderately governed by resistance when the electrode is in the dental neck region. Optionally, the first electrode inserted into the root canal is a dental file or reamer.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide an apparatus comprising: a) a root canal electrode insertable into the root canal of a tooth of a patient; b) a control unit including: i) a housing; ii) a current generator having a first terminal and a second terminal, the current generator being operative to produce a time varying current having a frequency of at least about 50 KHz and at most about 300 KHz between the first and second terminals, the current generator being deployed within the housing of the control unit; and iii) a detection element configured to sense an impedance-related parameter between the first and second terminals of the current generator, the detection element being deployed within the housing of the control unit; and c) an electrode patch detachably attached to the control unit, the electrode patch having a body-contactable surface that: i) is skin adhesive and ii) includes an electrically conductive region, the electrically-conductive region being in electrical contact with the f