The effects of combined dynamic navigation system and dental operating microscope on the accuracy and efficiency of fiber post removal: an in vitro study

Abstract Background There is limited information concerning the effectiveness of the combined dynamic navigation system (DNS) and dental operating microscope (DOM) technique in fiber post removal. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the DNS-DOM technique for fiber post removal compared with the freehand technique (FH)-DOM. Methods In a phantom head-based study, 30 human mandibular teeth were utilized, with 7 mm of fiber post left in obturated canals. Under a DOM, an experienced endodontist, employing an ET18D ultrasonic tip under a rubber dam, removed the fiber posts using either FH or DNS. Pre- and post-operative CBCT scans were taken, and 3D models were reconstructed with Materialise Mimics software. Accuracy (deviation volume, distance, angle, position) and efficiency (procedure time) parameters were analyzed. Normality was assessed with the Shapiro-Wilk test, utilizing the independent samples t-test for normally distributed data and the Mann-Whitney U test for non-normally distributed data. Results The DNS-DOM and FH-DOM groups demo