Endodontic success depends heavily on precision—both in diagnosis and treatment. Yet despite advancements in imaging and technique, missed canals and undiagnosed periapical lesions remain common causes of endodontic failure. Fortunately, artificial intelligence (AI) is now playing a transformative role in helping endodontists identify these critical issues with greater accuracy and speed than ever before.

AI-powered diagnostic tools are rapidly becoming indispensable in the endodontic workflow, especially when used alongside Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). By analysing dental images with advanced machine learning algorithms, AI can highlight areas of concern that may go unnoticed during manual interpretation. This not only improves treatment outcomes but also enhances diagnostic confidence, reduces retreatment cases, and boosts patient trust.

The Challenge of Missed Canals in Endodontics

Locating all root canals within a tooth is often challenging, particularly in molars with complex or variable anatomy. Missed canals, especially second mesiobuccal (MB2) canals in maxillary molars or hidden lateral canals, can lead to persistent infection, pain, and long-term treatment failure.

Traditional 2D radiographs can fall short when it comes to visualising canal structures, especially when overlapping anatomical features obscure key details. CBCT offers three-dimensional insight, but interpreting these scans manually is time-consuming and subject to human error—especially under pressure or in high-volume practices.

This is where AI comes in.

How AI Detects Missed Root Canals

AI tools trained on vast libraries of annotated CBCT data can detect and highlight canal morphology with exceptional accuracy. These systems scan the volumetric data slice-by-slice, identifying not only the primary canal pathways but also accessory canals that may be difficult to visualise.

By automatically labelling canal locations and suggesting likely missed areas, AI acts as a second set of expert eyes—ensuring that no critical detail is overlooked during pre-treatment planning or retreatment evaluations.

Platforms like Diagnocat empower clinicians with AI-generated 3D segmentations and annotated reports that clearly indicate canal locations, helping endodontists visualise the full root structure before they begin treatment.

Detecting Periapical Lesions with AI Precision

Periapical lesions are among the most common complications detected during endodontic evaluations. However, early-stage lesions can be difficult to identify on 2D radiographs, and even CBCT scans may not reveal small or subtle changes without close inspection.

AI dramatically improves periapical lesion detection by analyzing radiolucency patterns, bone density variations, and anatomical deviations. It flags potential pathology—even when it is asymptomatic or in early development—allowing for earlier intervention and more accurate diagnosis.

In post-treatment monitoring, AI also helps assess healing by comparing current and previous scans, ensuring that periapical pathology is resolving as expected.

Improving Diagnostic Consistency and Treatment Success

One of the greatest advantages of AI in endodontics is the ability to deliver consistent diagnostic results. Different clinicians may interpret imaging differently based on their experience, fatigue, or time pressure. AI removes this variability, providing uniform, data-driven analysis across all cases.

This consistency supports better clinical decision-making, reduces retreatment rates, and aligns the entire care team—from the general dentist to the endodontic specialist—around a shared, objective view of the case.

Diagnocat: AI for Modern Endodontics

Diagnocat is a leading AI platform that offers automated analysis of CBCT and 2D dental images, with powerful tools for endodontic diagnosis. Its AI engine detects missed canals, identifies periapical lesions, and segments anatomical structures in 3D for easier case evaluation and communication.

Designed with privacy and compliance in mind, Diagnocat is CE-certified, GDPR-compliant, and supports secure, cloud-based access—making it ideal for modern practices and multi-specialty teams.

Clinicians using Diagnocat report shorter diagnostic time, improved treatment precision, and stronger patient acceptance thanks to AI-generated visual reports that clearly explain findings.

Conclusion: AI is Redefining Endodontic Excellence

The integration of AI into endodontics marks a significant shift in how dental professionals diagnose and treat root canal pathology. With enhanced ability to detect missed canals and periapical lesions, AI helps clinicians deliver more successful outcomes, reduce complications, and build stronger relationships with patients.

By combining expert skill with intelligent technology, endodontists can elevate the standard of care and future-proof their practice. Discover how Diagnocat can enhance your diagnostic workflow in endodontics by visiting https://diagnocat.com.