Comparing the Effectiveness of a Robotic and Dynamic Navigation System in Fiber Post removal: An In Vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: This in vitro study evaluated the effectiveness of a robotic system (RS) and dynamic navigation system (DNS) compared with the freehand technique (FH) in fiber post removal. METHODS: Thirty-six 3D-printed teeth were fabricated from a human extracted maxillary incisor that had undergone root canal treatment and postspace preparation. After fiber post cementation, the 3D-printed replicas were mounted in plaster models and randomly assigned to RS, DNS, and FH groups (n = 12 each). Cone-beam computed tomography and model scans were performed on all models. The drilling trajectory was planned virtually using DentalNavi software. Fiber postremoval was performed by a single experienced endodontist using DNS, RS, or FH under a dental operating microscope, with operation time recorded. Pre- and post instrumentation data were obtained using micro-computed tomography. Coronal deviation, apical deviation, angular deflection, and operation time were compared among groups using One-way ANOVA and least significant difference tests. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in coronal deviation (P > .05). The RS group showed the lowest apical deviation (0.23 ± 0.04 mm), angular deflection (0.94° ± 0.33°), and shortest operation time (0.81 ± 0.07 min), followed by the DNS group (0.50 ± 0.13 mm, 2.43° ± 0.82°, 2.17 ± 0.70 min). FH had the greatest deviations and longest time (0.92 ± 0.27 mm, 4.84° ± 1.67°, 3.64 ± 1.25 min) (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In this benchtop in vitro study using 3D-printed teeth, the RS demonstrated superior accuracy and efficiency in fiber post removal compared with DNS and FH technique.