Endocator and Atp Bioluminescence Technology: A Novel Paradigm for Objective Assessment of Root Canal Disinfection – A Review Article

The success of endodontic treatment depends largely on the effective elimination of microorganisms, necrotic tissue remnants, and organic debris from the root canal system. Despite significant advances in instrumentation and irrigation protocols, clinicians still lack an objective chairside method to verify canal cleanliness before obturation. Currently available assessment techniques, including microbial culture, polymerase chain reaction, and microscopic analysis, are predominantly research-based tools and are not routinely applicable in clinical practice. Recently, ATP bioluminescence technology has emerged as a promising method for rapid assessment of residual biological contamination within root canals.[1,10,11] Endocator is a novel ATP-based chairside diagnostic system that measures ATP-related bioluminescence signals to quantify residual biological material and generate an objective cleanliness score.[1,5] This narrative review discusses the biological basis of ATP bioluminescence, the operating principle of Endocator, currently available laboratory and clinical evidence, potential applications in endodontic practice, advantages, limitations, and future directions.[1-5] Current evidence suggests that ATP-based assessment may enhance clinical decision-making by providing an objective measure of root canal cleanliness before obturation.[1]