Woodpecker Apex Locator - DPEX III plus

1. What is the DPEX III Apex Locator used for?
The DPEX III is an apex locator designed to measure the length of the root canal during endodontic treatments. It aids in determining the length of apical teeth to ensure effective treatment.

2. What are the key features of the DPEX III?

• A clear, bright LCD display that shows the trajectory of the file in different colors.
• Advanced measurement technology for accurate readings.
• Components like the file clip, lip hook, and touch probe can be autoclaved to prevent cross-infection.
• Rechargeable battery that eliminates the need for frequent replacements.

3. Are there any contraindications for using the DPEX III?
Yes, it is not recommended for patients with pacemakers or other electrical implants, or for patients advised against using electrical equipment, due to safety concerns.

4. What are the operational conditions for using the DPEX III?
The device operates best under the following conditions:

• Temperature: +5℃ to +40℃
• Relative Humidity: 30% to 75%
• Atmospheric Pressure: 70kPa to 106kPa

5. How should the DPEX III be maintained?

• Autoclave the reusable components (file clip, lip hook, touch probe) before each use.
• Recharge the battery when the low battery indicator flashes.
• Ensure that the measuring wire and other components are free of damage and properly connected.

6. How can I troubleshoot common issues with the DPEX III?
If you encounter issues like no power, erratic measurements, or no alarm sound, check the following:

• Ensure the battery is correctly installed and charged.
• Confirm that the measuring wire is connected properly.
• Make sure there’s no obstruction (like blood or saliva) that might cause measurement inaccuracies.

Refer to the troubleshooting section in the manual for more detailed solutions.

7. How do I properly connect and use the measuring wire?

• Insert the plug of the measuring wire into the designated socket on the main unit.
• Attach the file clip and lip hook into their respective sockets on the measuring wire.
• Test the connections to ensure they are secure before proceeding with measurements.

8. Can I use the DPEX III while charging?
No, it is advised not to use the device while it is charging to ensure safety and accuracy.

9. What should I do if the measurements from the DPEX III and X-rays do not match?
Discrepancies can occur due to variations in the actual position of the apical foramen. It is common for the apical foramen to be slightly off from the anatomical position. Consider taking additional X-rays for confirmation if needed.

Cleaning and disinfections:

1. What are the recommended cleaning agents for the lip hook, file clip, and touch probe?

The recommended cleaning agents include pure water, distilled water, deionized water, or a compatible multi-enzyme solution. Avoid using strong detergents with alkaline pH >9 or acidic pH <5, as they can reduce the lifespan of the products.

2. How should I clean the products after a procedure?

After a procedure, remove the measuring wire, rinse the products with pure water, and dry them with a clean, soft cloth before placing them in a clean tray. This must be done within 30 minutes post-operation.

3. What is the maximum number of sterilization cycles for each product?

The maximum number of sterilizations is 200 times for the file clip and 1,000 times for both the lip hook and touch probe.

4. What should I do if there are visible stains after cleaning and disinfection?

If there are visible stains after cleaning and disinfection, the entire cleaning and disinfection process must be repeated to ensure sterility.

5. What are the temperature and time limits for sterilization?

The highest sterilization temperature is 138 °C, with a minimum sterilization time of 4 minutes at 132 °C / 134 °C. The maximum sterilization time at 134 °C should not exceed 20 minutes.

6. How should I store the sterilized products?

Store the sterilized products in a clean, dry, and ventilated atmosphere with a relative humidity of 10% to 93% and a temperature of -20 °C to +55 °C. Use a medical sterilization bag, and the storage time should not exceed 7 days.

7. Can I use hot air or radiation sterilization methods?

No, hot air sterilization and radiation sterilization are not recommended as they may damage the products. Only steam sterilization procedures are permitted.

8. What steps should I follow for drying the products?

If your cleaning and disinfection process does not have an automatic drying function, dry the products using filtered dry compressed air or in a medical drying cabinet at 80 °C to 120 °C for 15 to 40 minutes.