The purpose of this study is to explain theoretically the mechanism of the frequency-dependent apex locator which can detect the apex of the root in moist canals with blood or other conductible canal irrigants. The frequency-dependent apex locator is based on measuring the ratio of the two impedances of the two alternating currents with different frequencies. We analyzed the changes of the ratio between the two impedances by using differential calculus. Our analysis shows that : 1. When the file is in the moist canal, the ratio between the two impedances is almost constant. 2. As the file approaches the apex of the root, the ratio decreases sharply. By this mechanism, the frequency-dependent apex locator can detect the apex of the-root quite accurately in moist canals.