A comparative evaluation of integrated and standalone apex locators under irrigated canal conditions.

Accurate and consistent working length determination is critical for predictable root canal treatment, yet electronic measurements can be affected by changing canal conditions, especially in the presence of irrigants such as sodium hypochlorite. 

A recent ex vivo study published in the Australian Endodontic Journal evaluated working length accuracy across two integrated apex locator endodontic motors (EnDrive and X-Smart Pro+) and a standalone apex locator (Root ZX Mini). Measurements were taken in dry canals and in the presence of saline, EDTA, and sodium hypochlorite. 

The results demonstrated meaningful differences in working length accuracy under varying canal conditions. 

Key Study Findings  

• EnDrive demonstrated the most consistent working length accuracy across all tested canal conditions, including the presence of sodium hypochlorite 

• When sodium hypochlorite was present, EnDrive stayed closer to the working length than Root ZX Mini, a standalone apex locator 

• Among the integrated apex locator endo motors evaluated, EnDrive demonstrated greater consistency in working length measurements than X-Smart Pro+ 

Why This Matters Clinically 

Maintaining consistent and accurate working length throughout canal preparation helps reduce the risk of over- or under-instrumentation, particularly when canal conditions change during treatment. 

These findings show that EnDrive’s integrated apex locator better maintains consistent working length control during canal preparation, which can support more predictable canal preparation across a range of clinical conditions.