A Cadaver-based Comparison of Sleeve-guided Implant-drill and Dynamic Navigation Osteotomy and Root-end Resections.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared the accuracy and efficiency of fully guided static and dynamic computer-assisted surgical navigation techniques for osteotomy and root-end resection (RER). METHODS: Fifty roots from cadaver heads were divided into two groups: fully guided static computer-assisted endodontic microsurgery (FG sCAEMS) and dynamic computer-assisted endodontic microsurgery (dCAEMS) (all, n = 25). Cone-beam computed tomography scans were taken pre and postoperatively. The osteotomy and RER were planned virtually in the preoperative cone-beam computed tomography scan and guided using 3D-printed surgical guides in the FG sCAEMS and 3D-dynamic navigation system in the dCAEMS. The 2D and 3D deviations and angular deflection were calculated. The osteotomy volume, resected root length, and resection angle were measured. The osteotomy and RER time and the number of procedural mishaps were recorded. RESULTS: FG sCAEMS was as accurate as dCAEMS, with no difference in the 2D and 3D deviation values or angular deflection (P > .05). The osteotomy and RER time were shortened using FG sCAEMS (P < .05). The FG sCAEMS showed a greater number of incomplete RERs than dCAEMS. Osteotomy volume, RER angle, and root length resected were similar in both groups (P > .05). FG sCAEMS and dCAEMS were feasible for osteotomy and RER. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this cadaver-based study, FG sCAEMS was as accurate as dCAEMS. Both FG sCAEMS and dCAEMS were time-efficient for osteotomy and RER.

Comparison of a Novel Static Computer-aided Surgical and Freehand Techniques for Osteotomy and Root-end Resection.

INTRODUCTION: This study compared the accuracy and efficiency of a novel static computer-aided surgical technique using a 3-dimensional (3D)-printed surgical guide (3D-SG) with a fully guided drill protocol (3D-SG FG) to the freehand (FH) osteotomy and root-end resection (RER). METHODS: Forty-six roots from 2 cadaver heads were divided into 2 groups: 3D-SG FG (n = 23) and FH (n = 23). Cone-beam computed tomographic scans were taken preoperatively and postoperatively. The endodontic microsurgery was planned in Blue Sky Bio software, and the 3D-SG was designed and 3D printed. The osteotomy and RER were conducted using a guided twist drill diameter of 2 mm and an ascending tapered drill with diameters of 2.8/3.2, 3.2/3.6, 3.8/4.2, and 4.2 mm with respective guided drill guides. Two-dimensional and three-dimensional virtual deviations and angular deflection were calculated. Linear osteotomy measures and root resection angle were obtained. The osteotomy and RER time and the number of mishaps were recorded. RESULTS: Two-dimensional and three-dimensional accuracy deviations and angular deflection were lower in the 3D-SG FG protocol than in the FH technique (P < .05). The height, length, and depth of the osteotomy and root resection angle were less in the 3D-SG FG protocol than in the FH technique (P < .05). The osteotomy and RER time with the 3D-SG FG protocol were less than the FH method (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this cadaver-based study using denuded maxillary and mandibular jaws, 3D-SG FG protocol showed higher accuracy than FH osteotomy and RER. Moreover, the 3D-SG FG drill protocol significantly reduced the surgical time.

Comparison of the Accuracy and Efficiency of a 3-Dimensional Dynamic Navigation System for Osteotomy and Root-end Resection Performed by Novice and Experienced Endodontists.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study is to investigate whether the 3-dimensional dynamic navigation system (3D-DNS) can improve experienced endodontists' (EEs') and novice endodontists' (NEs') accuracy and efficiency in osteotomy and root-end resection (RER) and to verify that the 3D-DNS enables NEs to perform osteotomy and RER as accurately and efficiently as EEs. METHODS: Seventy-six roots in cadaver heads were randomly divided into 4 groups: 3D-DNS-NE, 3D-DNS-EE, freehanded (FH)-NE, and FH-EE (all, n = 19). Cone-beam computed tomography scans were taken preoperatively and postoperatively. Osteotomy and RER were planned virtually in the X-guided software (X-Nav Technologies, Lansdale). Accuracy was calculated by measuring the 2-dimensional and 3D virtual deviations and angular deflection using superimposing software (X-Nav technologies). Efficiency was determined by the time of operation and the number of mishaps. RESULTS: Accuracy deviations were significantly fewer in the 3D-DNS-EE group than those in the FH-EE group (P < .05). We found less 2-dimensional and 3D accuracy deviations comparing the 3D-DNS-NE group to the FH-NE group (P < .05). The time required for osteotomy and RER with the 3D-DNS was ∼ ½ of that required for the FH method for both EEs and NEs (P < .05). We found no difference in the number of mishaps between the 3D-DNS and FH groups for EEs and NEs (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The 3D-DNS improved EEs' and NEs' accuracy and efficiency in osteotomy and RER. The NEs were as efficient as the EEs using the 3D-DNS. Notably, the 3D-DNS improved the NEs' accuracy compared to the FH method, but the 3D-DNS did not enable the NEs to perform osteotomy and RER as accurately as the EEs.

Real-time 3-dimensional Dynamic Navigation System in Endodontic Microsurgery: A Cadaver Study.

INTRODUCTION: This study evaluated the accuracy and efficiency of the 3-dimensional dynamic navigation system (3D-DNS) to perform minimally invasive osteotomy (MIO) and root end resection (RER) in endodontic microsurgery (EMS) and investigated the viability of root end cavity preparation (RECP) and root end fill (REF) in MIO. METHODS: Forty-eight tooth roots were divided in cadaver heads into 2 groups: 3D-DNS (n = 24) and freehand (n = 24). Cone-beam computed tomographic scans were taken before and after surgery. First, virtual 3D-DNS accuracy was verified using 3 outcome measures: 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional virtual deviations and angular deflection. Second, the accuracy of 3D-DNS for performing MIO was investigated in 2 outcome measures: osteotomy size and volume. Third, the 3D-DNS accuracy was determined for RER in 3 outcomes: resected root length, root length after resection, and resection angle. The viability of RECP and REF was investigated and REF depth and volume measured as well, and procedural time and the number of mishaps were recorded. RESULTS: Two- and 3-dimensional virtual deviations and the angular deflection were lower in the 3D-DNS group than the freehand group (P < .05). Osteotomy height, length, and volume were all reduced when using 3D-DNS (P < .05). The resection angle was lower for 3D-DNS (P < .05). RECP and REF were completed in 100% of the roots. The REF depth achieved was ∼3 mm. Osteotomy time, RER time, and the total procedure time were all significantly shortened using 3D-DNS (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: 3D-DNS enabled our surgeon to perform accurate and efficient EMS with minimally invasive osteotomy and RER. The surgeon was also able to conduct RECP with adequate REF in minimally invasive osteotomy performed using 3D-DNS guidance.

Accuracy and Efficiency of a Dynamic Navigation System for Locating Calcified Canals.

INTRODUCTION: Calcified canals present a challenge during endodontic treatments. The purpose of this study was to compare the accuracy and efficiency of a dynamic navigation system (DNS) to the freehand (FH) method for locating calcified canals in human teeth. METHODS: Sixty human single-rooted teeth with canal obliteration were selected and mounted in dry cadaver jaws. Based on cone-beam computed tomographic scans of the jaws, the drilling path and depth were virtually planned to use X-Guide software (X-Nav Technologies, LLC, Lansdale, PA). Access preparation was made with navigation in the DNS group and without guidance in the FH group by 2 operators with different levels of experience. Postoperative cone-beam computed tomographic scans were taken of all teeth. Linear and angular deviations and reduced dentin thickness at 2 levels were measured. The time for locating the canal, the number of mishaps, and the unsuccessful attempts were determined and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean linear and angular deviations, reduced dentin thickness (at both levels), the time for access cavity preparation, and the number of mishaps in the DNS group were significantly less than the FH group (P ≤ .05). The unsuccessful attempts were not different between the 2 groups (P > .05). The time for access preparation was significantly shorter for the board-certified endodontist in the FH group (P ≤ .05). CONCLUSIONS: The DNS was more accurate and more efficient than the FH technique in locating calcified canals in human teeth. This novel DNS can help clinicians avoid catastrophic mishaps during access preparation in calcified teeth.

Opioid-prescribing Habits of Practitioner and Educator Members of the American Association of Endodontists: Report of a National Survey.

Dentists and physicians alike often prescribe opioids for dental pain management. The purpose of this study was to identify the common practices among United States endodontists for prescribing opioids to their patients. A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was developed to query 1000 American Association of Endodontists members from all 7 districts in the United States. The 20-question survey addressed provider demographics, types and frequency of medications prescribed, and clinical scenarios that compelled prescription-writing habits. The anonymous survey was electronically mailed. There was a preference to prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and/or acetaminophen followed by hydrocodone to manage endodontic pain. The majority of respondents limited an opioid prescription to ≤4 days. Different demographics played a role in the response to direct questions if they ever felt or succumbed to pressure toward prescribing opioids. Opioids are the second most prescribed medication to manage endodontic postoperative pain. Practice background was a significant factor in feeling pressure to prescribe an opioid.