Apical Gauge File (AGF)
Definition

The Largest NiTi 0.04 Hand File
that fits at Corrected Working
Length after Access to the Apical
Third has been accomplished.
Please note that NO INSTRUMENTATION
of the Apical Third has occurred.
Negotiation only with “twiddling” motion,
NOT reaming or filing.
Apical Gauge File (AGF)
Rationale


To help when initial Working Length
Determination requires modification
To prevent over-instrumentation potentially
caused by increase in working length after
Straight Line Access is accomplished
(Schroeder et al. 2002), especially in curved
canals.
c
a
Schroeder KP, Walton RE, & Rivera EM.
J Endod. 2002;28:474.
b
File is same length, but
now potentially extrudes
out the apex
Pre-Op
AGF; Long on P.
Readjusted length
WL
Trial Pack
WL angled
Obturation.
Sealer extruded
Pre-Op
WL
AGF; Long on P.
Readjusted length
Note: Over-Instrumentation
of the Palatal canal would
have occurred if AGF film
had not been evaluated.
Trial Pack
Obturation.
Sealer extruded
Apical Gauge File (AGF)
How to Determine

Use NiTi 0.04 Hand Files
15
20
25
30
35 (does not go to length)
30 would be the AGF
Note that it is not required to make the
WL Film, AGF Film, and MAF Film in
every case
Apical Gauge File (AGF)
How to Record
Canal
Ref
Cusp
EWL
(mm)
Canal
Negotiation
WL File
Size
(yes/no)
(usu. SS)
CWL
(mm)
Access to
Apical 1/3
AGF File
Size
AGF File
Length
(yes/no)
(usu. NiTi)
(mm)
AWL
Apical Prep
(mm)
(Stop/Open)
MAF File
Size
MAF File
Length
Obturation
Acceptable
(usu. NiTi)
(mm)
(yes/no)
Start Instrumentation of the Apical Third
with the AGF at Actual Working Length.
Determine need for MAF vs Trial Pack
Radiograph