A Data Point for Canal Cleanliness

Endocator is a total paradigm shift in endodontics. It’s the first and only chairside device that allows us to measure the level of cleanliness inside the root canal system, which can be an important guide for making decisions about when we can complete an endodontic case.

Endocator detects adenosine triphosphate (ATP) inside a root canal system. Since low levels of ATP can signal low levels of biological debris, Endocator provides quantifiable evidence as to whether or not we’ve cleaned the canal system enough, or if we need to continue with more irrigation or instrumentation. ATP is a wonderful marker to monitor canal cleanliness as it can be detected in all living tissues.

Canal cleanliness can be difficult to gauge with only a visual exam of the canals, which has been our only method for decades. We’ve always measured cleanliness based on what our effort has been—how well we’ve irrigated and cleaned, if our paper points are dry, if there’s bleeding or purulence, or if it looks clean through a microscope. In this way, we’ve relied on our human senses when deciding when to seal a canal. But by using ATP as a biomarker, we’re able to screen for almost any type of living tissue, fluid, substance, or organism that might be present. It’s like a quality control measure because it gives us an actual data reading.

A ‘Brilliant Tool’

Endocator is a brilliant tool. The fact that it was invented by Randolph Cross, DDS, during his endodontic residency shows what fresh minds can offer. I would encourage young clinicians to realize they don’t have to be overly experienced to create something valuable for our profession.

When cleaning canals, we can use the very best techniques and go through every one of our protocols, but it doesn’t necessarily mean we’ve done enough. Endocator increases my confidence because it offers a quantifiable data point that I can rely on. It’s an incredibly simple and easy-to-use instrument and a great practice builder because it demonstrates your ability to invest in your practice to provide the best treatment for your patients.

Finally, as evidence-based data continues to show its correlation with greater treatment success, I believe Endocator will likely become an indispensable tool for clinicians everywhere.