The EAL device has attracted a great deal of attention
because it operates on the basis of the electrical
impedance rather than by a visual inspection. EALs are
particularly useful when the apical portion of the canal
system is obscured by certain anatomic structures,
such as impacted teeth, tori, the zygomatic arch,
excessive bone density, overlapping roots, or shallow
palatal vaults. In the presence of metallic restorations,
severely undermined caries, serous, purulent or hemorrhagic
exudates or when there are cracks, root fractures,
internal or external root resorption, wide-canal, or
a wide-open apex —a comparison of the EAL readings with the radiograph will assist practitioners to achieve
predictable results.