Artificial Intelligence for Working Length Determination in Endodontics: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the comparative performance of artificial intelligence (AI) models versus comparators for working-length determination using radiographic or impedance-based inputs. A comprehensive search across seven electronic databases was conducted up to 1 October 2025, identifying five eligible in vitro and ex vivo studies encompassing over 1765 teeth or radiographic images. All the included studies directly compared AI-based approaches with manual or conventional reference standards. An exploratory random-effects meta-analysis demonstrated higher odds of correct working length determination using AI-based methods compared to expert assessment. The risk of bias was moderate to high, primarily because of internal validation and the predominance of laboratory-based study designs. The overall certainty of evidence for the primary outcome was rated low. This first quantitative synthesis suggests that AI-based methods may enhance the consistency of working-length determination under controlled conditions; however, further well-designed clinical studies are required before routine clinical implementation.
Authors
- Saru Dhir Gupta
- Sangam Mittal
- Manish Sharma (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6711-1552)
- Rajinder Bansal
- Seema Gupta (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3525-6618)
- Saurabh Gupta (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0781-5712)
Institutions
- Maharishi Markandeshwar University, Mullana (IN)
- Guru Nanak Dev University (IN)
- Kothiwal Dental College and Research Centre (IN)
- ACPM Dental College and Hospital (IN)
- D.A.V Centenary Dental College (IN)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Australian Endodontic Journal
- Published
- 2026-04-12
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1111/aej.70081
- Primary Topic
- Endodontics and Root Canal Treatments
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00