Eur Endod J. 2025; 10(2): 127-133 | DOI: 10.14744/eej.2024.57441

Evaluation of Cone Beam Computed Tomography Resolution, 3D Printing Resolution and Drilling Depth on Drilling Accuracy in Guided Endodontics: An In-Vitro Study

Marine Hénaut¹, Maarten Meire², Jérôme Vandomme³, Lieven Robberecht^1
1Department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics, University of Lille, Faculty of Odontology, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille, France
²Department of Oral Health Sciences, Ghent University, Section of Endodontology, Ghent, Belgium
³Department of Prosthodontics, University of Lille, Faculty of Odontology, Inserm, CHU Lille, Lille, France

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) resolution, 3D printing resolution, and drilling depth on drilling accuracy in guided endodontic access.
Methods: Fifty-six printed canines were designed, fabricated, and mounted in maxillary arch models. Preoperative CBCT and 3D surface scan were matched and used to design a surgical guide with different planning parameters: 1) reference (high-resolution CBCT (80 µm) and 3D printing (50 µm), shallow drilling (14 mm)), 2) low-resolution CBCT (120 µm), 3) low-resolution 3D printing (100 µm) and 4) deep drilling (high-resolution CBCT (80 µm) and 3D printing (50 µm), deep drilling (21 mm)). Guided access into the printed canines was performed in a simulated clinical setting. A postoperative CBCT was matched with the planning data in order to determine the angular and linear (total, mesiodistal, buccolingual and depth) deviation between the planned and performed cavities. Mann-Whitney test was used to analyse differences between the reference group and each test group.
Results: Angular, total linear and buccolingual deviations were significantly higher in the low-resolution CBCT group than in the reference group (median: 3.10° and 2.0° (p<0.01), 1.41 mm and 1.06 mm (p<0.05) and 0.77 mm and 0.41 mm (p<0.05), respectively). Depth deviation was significantly higher in the low-resolution 3D printing group than in the reference group (median: 0.90 mm and 0.45 mm (p<0.01), respectively). No other significant differences between the groups were noted (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Higher CBCT resolution resulted in lower angular and total linear deviation during guided endodontic access. Higher 3D printing resolution yielded lower vertical linear deviation. (EEJ-2024-05-086)

Keywords: Access cavity preparation, accuracy, printed guide, pulp canal obliteration, static navigation

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