TITLE:
Comparative Evaluation of Three Working Length Determination Techniques: In Vitro Study
AUTHORS:
Nadia El Haiba, Manal El Hijazi, Ihsane Ben Yahya
KEYWORDS:
Endodontics, Working Length, Apex, Radiography, Apex Locator
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Access Library Journal,
Vol.13 No.3,
March
18,
2026
ABSTRACT: Objective: The objective of this study is to compare the accuracy of three methods for determining working length (WL) in an in vitro study: conventional radiography, digital radiovisiography (RVG), and electronic apex locator (EAL). Materials and Methods: Thirty fresh single-rooted teeth were selected. The actual length (AL) was determined by advancing a K10 file until its tip emerged at the apex, as confirmed under stereomicroscopic visualization. Three measurement techniques were then performed and compared to the AL: conventional radiography, digital radiovisiography (RVG), and Endopilot® electronic apex locator (EAL). Repeated measures ANOVA was used to evaluate differences (p Results: The mean AL was 21.60 mm. The measured lengths were: conventional radiography = 21.60 mm; RVG = 21.47 mm; EAL = 21.62 mm. No significant difference was observed (p = 0.576). Conclusion: All three techniques demonstrate comparable accuracy. In clinical practice, the combination of an EAL with radiographic control remains recommended.