Accuracy of Guided Endodontics in Posterior Teeth

The purpose of this ex vivo study was to determine the accuracy of template-based guided endodontics for access cavity preparation and root canal detection in posterior teeth. First, three maxillary and four mandibular models were constructed using 67 premolars and molars, with a total number of 135 main root canals. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and three-dimensional 3D surface scans of each model were performed and matched in order to plan access cavity preparation and design templates virtually. Template-guided access cavity preparation was then performed for each tooth, followed by postoperative CBCT scanning. Deviations between planned and prepared access cavities were measured after superimposition of the pre- and postoperative CBCT scans, and they were analyzed using descriptive and multivariate statistics. All root canals (135/135) were detected utilizing guided endodontics. The mean angle deviation was 1.4 degrees, and the mean deviations at the tip and base of the bur were 0.24-0.31 mm and 0.26-0.29 mm, respectively. This study demonstrated that guided endodontics is an accurate and predictable method for endodontic access cavity preparation in posterior teeth.