What is selected?
The working distance in each canal.
← All explanationsEndodontic working length
How far is a root canal treated?
Endodontic working length is the chosen distance from a reproducible point on the crown to the intended endpoint of canal preparation and filling. It is determined for each canal and is not simply the entire visible root length.
For training & practice ↓
AI-generated
Choose a view
Measurement starts coronally
A suitable crown reference point makes the distance reproducible during treatment. A change to that point must be considered.
An endpoint near the root end
Anatomy, electronic measurements and radiographic findings inform the endpoint. One fixed number does not suit every canal.
Work with checks
The chosen distance helps tailor preparation and filling to the canal. Correct length alone does not guarantee complete disinfection or healing.
At a glance
How is it determined?
Using clinical reference, measurement and appropriate imaging.
Why no fixed number?
Anatomy varies between teeth and canals.
Knowledge in motion
Explained in 36 seconds.
Three steps. No audio.
Each scene can also be selected manually.
Silent educational film with German on-screen text and simplified teaching images. Not a patient case or a promised treatment outcome. The full English explanation is available below.
Read the film text in English
Measurement starts coronally
A suitable crown reference point makes the distance reproducible during treatment. A change to that point must be considered.
An endpoint near the root end
Anatomy, electronic measurements and radiographic findings inform the endpoint. One fixed number does not suit every canal.
Work with checks
The chosen distance helps tailor preparation and filling to the canal. Correct length alone does not guarantee complete disinfection or healing.
Often confused
Working length or root length?
Root length describes anatomy. Working length is a clinical distance with a reference point and treatment endpoint.
Quick answers
Are all canals in a tooth the same length?
No. Roots, curves and canal paths differ.
Does working length always end at the radiographic tip?
No. Projection and actual anatomy differ; the endpoint is selected individually.
Why might measurement be repeated?
Canal shape or the reference point may change during treatment. Rechecking helps maintain orientation.
At the practice
For a personal discussion
An editorially suggested question for a discussion with Dr med dent Niusha Barahmand Pour:
Which reference point and checks are used for this canal?
Many unfamiliar words in your root canal plan? Ask about the steps and planned checks for the tooth.
Discuss the treatment stepsAppointment selection at DoctolibLearning layer for training & practiceUnderstand terminology and deepen knowledge
- Coronal
- Towards the crown.
- Apical
- Towards the root tip.
- Preparation
- Cleaning and shaping the canal during treatment.
Make the distinction
Root length describes anatomy. Working length is a clinical distance with a reference point and treatment endpoint.
Sources and context
Editorial research: . General information, not an individual diagnosis or treatment recommendation. Teaching illustrations are simplified and do not depict a patient case.