Suitability of Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Guided Endodontics: Proof of Principle

This proof-of-principle study aimed to demonstrate that magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is sufficiently accurate for the detection of root canals using guided endodontics.

One hundred extracted human teeth (anterior and premolar) were mounted onto 5 mandibular and 5 maxillary models, fitted with splints designed to accommodate a thin layer of aqueous gel for indirect imaging, and scanned by MRI. After MRI and intraoral scans were aligned using planning software, access cavities were planned virtually, and templates were manufactured with computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing, the access cavities were prepared. Cone-beam computed tomographic scans were performed and matched with the virtual preoperative planning data to determine the accuracy of access cavity preparation in terms of deviation between planned and prepared cavities in the mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions and angle. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and the mean values were compared using the t test.

Ninety-one of 100 root canals were successfully scouted after MRI-guided access cavity preparation. The mean angle deviation was 1.82°. The mean deviation ranged from 0.21-0.31 mm at the base of the bur and from 0.28-0.44 mm at the tip of the bur. Preparation in the buccolingual dimension was significantly more precise in mandibular compared with maxillary teeth, and accuracy in the mesiodistal dimension was more precise in anterior teeth compared with premolars.

This in vitro study demonstrated the suitability of MRI for guided endodontic access cavity preparation.