Origins of the Electronic Apex Locator - Achieving Success with Strict Adherence to Business
Gutmann, J.L.
Journal of the History of Dentistry 65(1): 2-6
2017
ISSN/ISBN: 1089-6287 PMID: 28574674 Document Number: 691813
Current history would have you believe that the evolution and development of the electronic apex locator for use during root canal procedures emanated from the work of Suzuki in 1942, which was developed as a product by Sunada in 1962. Yes, this is partly correct, however the concept of using electrical means to locate the ends of root canals was brought to the dental profession as early as 1918 by Dr. Levitt Ellsworth Custer, which was not addressed until Suzuki revisited Custer's concepts. This contribution was only one of the many that Custer proffered as he championed the use of electricity in dentistry.