What is used to mark the root canal during procedures?

The correct choice is an endo stop, as it is specifically designed to assist in accurately marking the length of the canal during endodontic procedures. Endo stops are small, typically rubber or plastic, devices that are placed on the end of files or reamers to indicate the working length of the root canal. This ensures that the clinician knows how far to extend the instrument within the canal, which is crucial for effective cleaning and shaping.

By setting the endo stop to the predetermined length, dental professionals can prevent over-instrumentation and potential damage to the surrounding tissues, which could lead to complications. This precise measurement is essential in achieving a successful root canal treatment by ensuring complete removal of infected tissue and proper sealing of the canal.

The other options each have specific functions in the root canal procedure but do not serve the purpose of marking the canal length. A gutta percha spreader is used to compact gutta percha in the canal, a root canal sealer is used to fill the space created in the canal after cleaning and shaping, and an irrigating syringe is used to deliver irrigation solutions for cleaning the canal. While these instruments are vital to the overall procedure, they do not provide the necessary sectional markings required for determining the working