## 4 Discussion  
The current investigation tested the null hypothesis and stated that using AR for learning root canal anatomy does not significantly improve students' accuracy in identifying root canal anatomy. CBCT images and AR models of different teeth were used in this study to learn root canal morphology, and a survey questionnaire evaluated the effectiveness of each model. The results revealed that the AR model enhanced students' understanding of root canal morphology. Students showed a significantly improved understanding of root canal morphology across all teeth studied (except for the maxillary second premolar) when using the AR model compared to CBCT (37% increase, \(p<0.05\)). The maxillary second premolar had a single canal without branching or merging complexities. It may have limited the observed differences between the two learning modalities for this specific tooth type. Previous investigations indicated that CBCT or VR appeared equal for training dental students to detect all root canal systems [5]. However, [PERSON] et al. recommended the VR modality in medical education, although no significant difference was found between different learning methods [10]. This study demonstrates the potential of AR as a tool for enhancing dental students' comprehension of root canal anatomy. Students displayed a significant increase in accuracy and efficiency when utilizing the AR model compared to CBCT interpretation. One limitation of this study was the sequential design, where CBCT interpretation preceded the AR experience. While a washout period was implemented to minimize knowledge transfer, a learning order effect cannot be entirely ruled out. This effect could give students some pre-existing knowledge that might have aided comprehension of the subsequent AR model depicting the same teeth. Future research could explore randomized controlled trials to strengthen the findings further and address the learning order effect. However, considering that the study design ensured students were not informed about the source of the teeth used in the AR model and the recognized challenges associated with teaching and achieving competency in endodontic skills for dental students [11; 12], the current study provides encouraging evidence for incorporating AR as a supplementary learning tool alongside existing methods. Students spent less time completing the AR observation (M = 4.09, SD = 3.55) than the CBCT interpretation (M = 15.21, SD = 8.01), and the difference was statistically significant. The three-dimensional visualization and manipulation of the AR model led to improved interpretation, better understanding, and faster answering of the survey questions compared to CBCT images. The faster completion of the survey in the AR model could be due to the repetition of the questions. The same questions were answered in the first model tested. Reading the question the second time would be much faster than reading it the first time. Faculty should choose the teaching and learning method that closely matches the preferred student's learning style, as it has been reported that most students prefer interactive teaching, including the VR model [13; 14]. The AR model helped the students to manipulate structural separation and superposition and allowed the user to rotate the tooth model 360\({}^{\circ}\). The present study found that participating students (93%) preferred AR simulation over CBCT images. However, past research has recommended that the VR model should not be used solely in teaching, even if students like it, because they should be trained on the different radiographic imaging modalities utilized in clinical practice and CBCT interpretations [7]. Results herein reported that few students experienced eye fatigue, nausea, and disorientation. These symptoms associated with the VR experience are called VR sickness or cybersickness. This phenomenon is like motion sickness, which occurs due to a disturbance in the perceptual system since the visual stimulation is inconsistent with the vestibular motion sensation [15].