Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Device and Dynamic Navigation System for Postremoval in Maxillary Molars

INTRODUCTION

This study evaluates the feasibility of an augmented reality (AR) head-mounted device (HMD) displaying a dynamic navigation system (DNS) in the surgical site for fiber postremoval in maxillary molars and compares it to the DNS technique.

METHODS

Fifty maxillary first molars were divided into 2 groups: AR HMD + DNS (n = 25) and DNS (n = 25). The palatal canal was restored with RelyX fiber post (3M ESPE) luted with RelyX Unicem (3M ESPE). A core buildup was performed using Paracore (Coltene/Whaledent). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken before and after postremoval. The drilling trajectory and depth were planned under X-guide software (X-Nav Technologies, Lansdale, PA). For the AR HMD + DNS group, the AR HMD (Microsoft HoloLens 2) displayed the DNS in the surgical site. The three dimensional (3D) deviations (Global coronal deviation [GCD] and global apical deviation [GAD]) and angular deflection (AD) were calculated. The number of mishaps and operating time were recorded.

RESULTS

Fiber post was removed from all samples (50/50). The AR HMD + DNS was more accurate than DNS, showing significantly lower GCD and GAD deviations and AD (P < .05). No mishap was detected. The AR HMD + DNS was as efficient in time as DNS (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the AR HMD can safely display DNS in the surgical site for fiber post-removal in maxillary molars. AR HMD improved the DNS accuracy. Both AR HMD + DNS and DNS were time-efficient for fiber postremoval in maxillary molars.

Accuracy of implant placement via dynamic navigation and autonomous robotic computer-assisted implant surgery methods: A retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

Optimal implant planning and placement allows the prosthesis to be well designed to achieve a satisfactory aesthetic and functional outcome. We aimed to compare deviations between implant planning and placement with the assistance of dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery (d-CAIS) or autonomous robotic computer-assisted implant surgery (r-CAIS) methods in a clinical setting.

METHODS

The retrospective analysis of medical records between 2021 July and 2022 December was conducted to compare the implantation accuracy of the d-CAIS and r-CAIS system in partially edentulous patients through cone-beam computed tomography. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) were recorded using a visual analogue scale (VAS). The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to check the data distribution. Student's t-test or Mann-Whitney U-test was used as appropriate, with a defined significant difference (p < .05).

RESULTS

Seventy-seven patients were analysed (124 implants), with 38 patients (62 implants) in the d-CAIS group and 39 patients (62 implants) in the r-CAIS group. The differences between d-CAIS and r-CAIS were 4.09 ± 1.79° versus 1.37 ± 0.92° (p < .001) in angular deviation; 1.25 ± 0.54 versus 0.68 ± 0.36 mm (p < .001) in coronal global deviation; 1.39 ± 0.52 versus 0.69 ± 0.36 mm (p < .001) in apical global deviation; the results of the PROMs showed no statistical difference between the two groups.

CONCLUSIONS

r-CAIS allows more accurate implant placement than the d-CAIS technology. And both groups achieved overall satisfactory outcomes via VAS (Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ChiCTR2300072004).

Accuracy and Self-Confidence Level of Freehand Drilling and Dynamic Navigation System of Dental Implants: An In Vitro Study

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The impact of the experience of the clinician on learning a new skill or equipment was still an intriguing subject. The goal of this research is to determine the accuracy level of a dynamic navigation system to that of freehand drilling by expert and novice practitioners with varied levels of experience. Additionally, the duration of the surgical procedure and the self-confidence level of the surgeons were also evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An analog impression of the patient was used to make 20 polyurethane simulation models of the maxilla. Five expert and five inexperienced surgeons prepared the site and placed the implants at random on ten models each. Two different techniques were used to insert dental implants: freehand and dynamic navigation systems. Dental implants were placed in Group 1 utilizing a computer-assisted dynamic navigation device. The implants in Group 2 were secured using free-hand drilling. The dental implants were inserted first in the maxillary right first molar, then in the maxillary right lateral incisor, and the maxillary left second premolar. Preoperative and postoperative CBCT scans were superimposed by employing the Evalunav software and contrasted. The coronal 3-D, apex 3-D, apex vertical depth, and angular deviations for both procedures were evaluated. A pre-tested self-confidence questionnaire was also administered to assess the self-confidence of the practitioners. The duration of the surgical time was also documented for each strategy. The t-test was used to measure the difference in accuracy and confidence levels between freehand and dynamic navigation systems among expert and novice surgeons using SPSS software (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA).

RESULTS

A total of 60 implants were used (three insertion sites, two methods, and 10 practitioners). Each of the five expert and novice clinicians implanted 15 implants (five models each). Except for entry 3-D, there was a statistically significant difference between the two approaches in all of the primary outcome variables. The apex 3-D (5.89±1.08 mm) and apex vertical (2.08±1.27 mm) dimensions of the dynamic navigation system were significantly smaller than those of the freehand drilling approach (p<005). Dynamic navigation and freehand drilling had angular deviations of 7.16±1.76ᵒ and 9.06±2.18ᵒ, respectively (p=0.0004). The apex vertical deviation was reduced in the navigation technique (2.07±1.5 mm) than in the freehand drilling (2.86±1.4 mm) by experienced practitioners (p=0.04). The difference in time between the two procedures was determined to be statistically highly significant (p<0.001) by both expert and novice surgeons. Furthermore, when contrasting with experienced practitioners, novice practitioners had an overall increase in surgery time (p<0.001) for both approaches.

CONCLUSION

The current in vitro study found that the dynamic navigation system enables more accurate implant placement than the freehand drilling technique, irrespective of the experience of the surgeons. However, this technique appears to benefit novice practitioners more, as they can profoundly minimize their deviations while accomplishing results comparable to those of expert surgeons.

Free-Hand Approach in Microsurgical and Non-Surgical Endodontics: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Experimental Studies

(1) Background: A Dynamic Navigation System (DNS) is an innovative tool that facilitates the management of complex endodontic cases. Despite the number of advantages and limitations of this approach, there is no evidence-based information about its efficiency in comparison with that of the traditional method in endodontics. (2) Objectives: We aimed to explore any beneficial effects of the DNS and compare the outcomes of DNS vs. free-hand (FH) approaches for non-surgical and microsurgical endodontics. (3) Methods: A literature search was conducted in August 2023 to identify randomized, experimental, non-surgical, and microsurgical endodontic studies that compared the DNS with FH approaches. The procedural time (ΔT, s), substance loss (ΔV, mm3), angular deviation (ΔAD, °), coronal/platform linear deviation (ΔLD_C, mm), and apical linear deviation (ΔLD_A, mm) were recorded and analyzed. Quality and risk of bias assessments were conducted according to the Quality Assessment Tool For In Vitro Studies. A meta-analysis was performed using mean difference and standard deviation for each outcome, and heterogeneity (I2) was estimated. p < 0.05 was considered significant. (4) Results: One-hundred and forty-six studies were identified following duplicate removal, and nine were included in the systematic review and meta-analysis. The overall risk of bias was classified as low. The DNS was found to be more accurate and efficient than the FH approach was, resulting in a significantly shorter operation time (p < 0.00001) and less angular (p ≤ 0.0001) and linear deviation (p ≤ 0.01). For substance loss, the advantage of the DNS was significant only for microsurgery (p = 0.65, and p < 0.005, for non-surgical and microsurgical procedures, respectively). A reduced risk of iatrogenic failure using the DNS was observed for both expert and novice operators. (5) Conclusions: The DNS appears beneficial for non-surgical and microsurgical endodontics, regardless of the operator's experience. However, appropriate training and experience are necessary to access the full advantages offered by the DNS.

Training of novice surgeons using dynamic computer assisted dental implant surgery: An exploratory randomized trial

BACKGROUND

Dynamic Computer Assisted Implant Surgery (CAIS) systems have been shown to improve accuracy of implant placement, thus training in the use of such systems is becoming increasingly important. There is a scarcity of research on how to implement dynamic CAIS training in the settings of postgraduate university education.

PURPOSE

To determine the effectiveness of two modes of CAIS training programs on motor skill acquisition of novice surgeons.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six postgraduate students without experience in dynamic CAIS systems were randomly assigned to a distributed training program (3 training sessions over 3 days) or a massed training (3 training sessions over the same day). A post-test involving the placement of one implant was conducted for both groups, 7 days after completion of the training. Surgical time and implant accuracy were recorded and analyzed, using independent t-tests, with 0.05 significant level.

RESULTS

Both groups reached the accuracy benchmarks expected by current standards in the use of CAIS. No significant differences with regards to accuracy were found between the groups, but a trend was documented favoring performance of distributed (mean difference-0.4, 95% confidence interval-0.7-0.1) in the accuracy at platform level. Distributed training students performed faster than massed for the third trial (mean difference-95.0, 95% confidence interval-178.8 to -11.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Novice students reached the accuracy benchmarks with the use of CAIS through both a massed and a distributed training program, while there was a strong but marginally not significant trend for higher accuracy in the distributed group. Students who received the training in the distributed format over the process of different days, performed faster. Trial registered in Thai Clinical Trials Registry: https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/show/TCTR20230109002. This clinical trial was not registered prior to participant recruitment and randomization.

Accuracy of a dynamic navigation system for dental implantation with two different workflows and intraoral markers compared to static-guided implant surgery: An in-vitro study

PURPOSE

To investigate the accuracy of a miniaturized dynamic navigation system with intraoral markers and two different workflows for dental implantation and to compare with static computer-assisted implant surgery (sCAIS) surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two operators performed a total of 270 implant insertions in polyurethane mandibular models under simulated clinical conditions. Implants were placed after CBCT-based virtual planning in three different groups: two workflows utilizing dynamic computer-assisted implant surgery (dCAIS; DG1: marker in CBCT; DG2: 3D-printed marker) and the others with sCAIS (TG: template guided). Postoperative surface scans were matched to the planning data and allowed an evaluation of the angular and spatial deviation between the planned and the actually achieved implant position. Descriptive statistics were followed by a Mixed Model Analysis to determine the influence of the operator, the method, and operating area on different accuracy parameters and the random effect of the model number.

RESULTS

The mean angular deviation ranged from 2.26° (DG1) to 2.96° (TG). The mean 3D deviation at the implant's tip ranged from 1.08 mm (TG) to 1.51 mm (DG2) and at the implant's base from 0.69 mm (TG) to 1.49 mm (DG2). The operator showed no significant influence on the accuracy. The method showed significant influence on singular parameters and the operating area on all spatial accuracy parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Dynamic navigation systems with intraoral markers enable accurate implant positioning, which is comparable to the static-guided implant surgery. 3D-printed markers provide less accurate results compared to prefabricated markers, attached before CBCT scan.

Assessment of the Accuracy of Two Different Dynamic Navigation System Registration Methods for Dental Implant Placement in the Posterior Area: An In Vitro Study

Purpose: To compare the U-tube and cusp dynamic navigation system registration methods in the use of dental implant placement, and to assess the influence of the location of missing teeth on these registrations. Methods: 32 resin mandible models and 64 implants were utilized, with implants being placed using one of the two registration methods selected at random. Accuracy was measured through the superimposition of the final and planned implant positions. Angular deviation, 3D entry deviation, and 3D apex deviation were analyzed. Results: The overall mean 3D deviation was 1.089 ± 0.515 mm at the entry point and 1.174 ± 0.531 mm at the apex point, and mean angular deviation was 1.970 ± 1.042 degrees. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed when comparing these two registration methods. However, the U-tube method showed significant difference when assessing the location of missing teeth (without distal-extension absence and distal-extension absence), whereas cusp registration was unaffected. Conclusions: Both the U-tube and cusp dynamic navigation system registration methods are accurate when implemented in vitro. Besides, the cusp registration technique can also overcome several of the limitations of the U-tube approach and the accuracy of it was not influenced by the location of the missing teeth, highlighting it as a method worthy of further clinical research.

Real-time guided endodontics: A case report of maxillary central incisor with calcific metamorphosis

Dental trauma results in various complications and poses an enigma to the practitioner. Calcific metamorphosis is one of the sequelae of trauma. A female patient of 35 years visited the specialty clinic of endodontics for the management of a discolored tooth. Clinically, discolored 21 was observed with no pain on palpation and percussion. The pulp sensibility test revealed a negative response. Radiographic examination revealed pulp canal obliteration with an apical radiolucency of Peri Apical Index (PAI 4). The tooth was diagnosed as necrotic pulp with asymptomatic apical periodontitis. Attempt to negotiate the canal under a Dental Operating Microscope (LABOMED, Los Angeles, CA, USA) and ultrasonics (Satelec, Acteon, France) was futile. Cone-beam computed tomography image revealed a patent canal in the apical third. Using real-time guided endodontics with a dynamic navigation system (Navident, ClaroNav, Toronto, ON, Canada), the protocol of plan, trace, and place was followed, and successful canal negotiation was achieved. After radiographic confirmation, root canal treatment was completed.

Treatment of Pulp Canal Obliteration Using a Dynamic Navigation System: Two Case Reports

Endodontic treatment of calcified canals presents a major challenge because of the high incidence of complications, such as perforation, canal geometry alteration, and loss of dental hard tissue. The dynamic navigation technique uses an optical tracking system for real-time navigation to guide the operator to drill according to the preoperative plan and obtain access to the calcified canals. This article describes in detail the use, advantages, disadvantages, and limitations of a novel dynamic navigation system (DNS) in two cases with severely calcified canals. The findings in these cases demonstrate that DNS is a promising technique for the location of calcified root canals.

Comparison of the accuracy of two different dynamic navigation system registration methods for dental implant placement: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Dynamic navigation approaches are widely employed in the context of implant placement surgery, with registration being integral to the accuracy of such navigation. Relatively few studies to date, however, have compared different registration approaches, and such a comparison has the potential to guide the development of more accurate and reliable clinical registration methodology.

PURPOSE

This study was developed to compare the accuracy of dynamic navigation-based dental implant placement conducted using either U-tube or cusp registration methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Medical records from all patients that had undergone implant surgery between August 2019 and October 2020 in the First Clinical Division of the Peking University Hospital of Stomatology were retrospectively reviewed, with 64 patients and 99 implants ultimately meeting with study inclusion criteria. Implant placement accuracy was gauged via the superimposition of the planned implant position in preoperative cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images with the true postoperative implant position in postoperative CBCT images. Accuracy was measured based upon the angular deviation, entry deviation (3-dimensional [3D] deviation in the coronal aspect of the alveolar ridge), and apex deviation (3D deviation in the apical area of the implant) when comparing these two positions.

RESULTS

The angular deviation, entry deviation, and apex deviation of all analyzed implants were 3.29 ± 0.17°, 1.29 ± 0.07 mm, and 1.43 ± 0.08 mm, respectively, while in the cusp registration group these respective values were 3.25 ± 1.58°, 1.28 ± 0.60 mm, and 1.34 ± 0.63 mm as compared to 3.35 ± 1.78°, 1.30 ± 0.78 mm, 1.55 ± 0.9 mm in the U-tube group, respectively. No significant differences in accuracy were observed when comparing these two registration techniques.

CONCLUSION

Dynamic computer-assisted surgical systems can facilitate accurate implantation, and both the U-tube and cusp registration methods exhibit similar levels of accuracy. As the cusp registration technique can overcome some of the limitations of the U-tube strategy without the need for an additional registration device, it may be more convenient for clinical use and warrants further research.

Computer-Controlled CO2 Laser Ablation System for Cone-beam Computed Tomography and Digital Image Guided Endodontic Access: A Pilot Study

Introduction:

Ideal endodontic access provides unobstructed entry to the pulp chamber and visualization of the canal orifices while preserving the maximum amount of tooth structure. The aim of this study was to implement the use of lasers to accurately and predictably access teeth to follow the principles of minimally invasive endodontics.

Methods:

Traditional, conservative, ultraconservative, bridge, truss, and orifice-directed accesses were performed. A computer-controlled 9.3-μm CO₂ laser ablation system was assembled and coupled with custom software capable of combining cone-beam computed tomographic (CBCT) volumetric data with spatially calibrated digital images of teeth to provide an augmented reality environment for designing and preparing endodontic accesses. Twenty (N = 20) sound posterior teeth with fully developed root canal systems were imaged with CBCT scans and accessed via laser ablation in vitro.

Results:

All 20 (20/20) teeth were successfully accessed without iatrogenic errors. Volumetric renderings from post-access CBCT scans were used to verify the access and determine accuracy qualitatively. The volumetric measurements of hard tissue removed were as follows: traditional = 39.41 mm³, conservative = 9.76 mm³, ultraconservative = 7.1 mm³, bridge = 11.53 mm³, truss = 19.21 mm³, and orifice directed = 16.86 mm³.

Conclusions:

Digital image guidance based on feature recognition and registration with CBCT data is a viable method to address the challenge of dynamic navigation for accessing the pulp chamber. Modern lasers with high pulse repetition rates integrated with computer-controlled scanning systems are suitable for the efficient cutting of dental hard tissues.

Guided Endodontic Access in a Maxillary Molar Using a Dynamic Navigation System

The treatment of calcified root canals is challenging in endodontic practice. A 63-year-old man was referred to the postgraduate endodontic clinic at the University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, MD, for the treatment of tooth #3. Because of the patient's history of head and neck radiation and the high risk of developing osteoradionecrosis, a nonsurgical endodontic approach was found to be the most reasonable treatment option despite the questionable prognosis of the tooth. During the endodontic treatment, the distobuccal canal appeared to be partially calcified and was not possible to be located freehand even with use of the dental operating microscope and cone-beam computed tomographic approximated approach. Therefore, the dynamic navigation system using the X-Guide system (X-Nav technologies, LLC, Lansdale, PA) was used, which allowed for the successful location of the canal. Conventional endodontic treatment was completed following standardized instrumentation, irrigation, and obturation. Details on how to use the dynamic navigation system are described including its advantages, disadvantages, and limitations.

Expectation and reality of guided implant surgery protocol using computer-assisted static and dynamic navigation system at present scenario: Evidence-based literature review

In the field of modern dentistry, ideal three-dimensional positioning of dental implant with optimal prosthetic fit offers successful long-term outcomes. To achieve such accurate implant placement, presurgical evaluation of hard and soft tissue matters the most. Their efforts can be attained using various application programs such as digital imaging, implant planning software, laboratory- or computer-assisted surgical guides, and dynamic navigation approach. To overcome different opinions and choices regarding guided surgery, this article explains an evidence-based literature review to assess its various outcomes and allowing informed choices before using various guided surgical techniques based on its expectation and reality outcomes. This highlights a clinician's choice to guide his successful implant surgery without causing distress in the midway of treatment. An online search was done on PubMed/Medline database to bring in accuracy to the expertise. This review includes reference of publications from 2000 to 2019, which is related to promising outcomes using computer-assisted static or dynamic navigation system for the placement of implant. Out of these, 809 were related to the computer-guided implant placement. Relevant papers were chosen in accordance with the inclusion and exclusion criteria. This review article contemplates to reflect the fact that computer-guided approach is considered to offer more predictable, safer, and faster implant placement with the predetermined final prosthetic outfit. Thus, digital planning and placing of dental implants in the correct position keep escalating to a higher achievement levels than a classical freehand approach. Nevertheless, this guided surgical approach also holds some errors and risks, which must be identified and rectified.