Evaluating a Novel Visualization Device for Improving File Insertion Accuracy During Root Canal Treatment.

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Endodontics
• Medical Devices

Background:

• Endodontic file placement accuracy is crucial for successful root canal treatment.
• Operator-dependent variability can impact procedural outcomes.
• Novel digital assistive devices may offer solutions to enhance accuracy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of a novel digital assistive device in improving endodontic file placement accuracy.
• To assess the device's ability to reduce operator-dependent variability.
• To determine if a horizontal viewpoint enhances procedural precision.

Main Methods:

• Forty dental stone models with plastic teeth were used, divided into conventional and device-assisted groups.
• A novel digital device provided a horizontal viewpoint for file insertion in the experimental group.
• Intraoral scanners and alignment software were used to measure file placement accuracy and stopper position.

Main Results:

• The device-assisted group showed significantly shorter mean stopper-to-landmark distances (0.425 mm) compared to the conventional group (0.971 mm).
• Pairwise analysis confirmed closer apical positioning in the device-assisted group.
• The device's mean intraoral mounting time was deemed negligible.

Conclusions:

• Adopting a horizontal perspective with the novel digital assistive device significantly improves endodontic file placement accuracy.
• The device effectively reduces operator-dependent variability in root canal treatment.
• Further optimization and cost-effectiveness assessment may promote wider clinical adoption.