Glass fiber post removal using cone beam computed tomography combined with guided endodontics: a case report

This case report illustrates the effectiveness of combin¬ing guided endodontics (GE) with data from cone beam computed tomographic (CBCT) images for removal of a glass fiber post. A 42-year-old man presented with discomfort associated with the maxillary left central inci¬sor. Clinical and radiographic assessments revealed that the endodontically treated tooth had a permanent core material retained by a glass fiber post and exhibited an apical radiolucency. A conservative, fully guided approach was proposed for removal of the glass fiber post and subsequent nonsurgical root canal retreatment. The data from CBCT and 3-dimensional (3D) intraoral scanning images were integrated in surgical planning software, and an endodontic guide was designed. The endodontic guide was produced with a 3D printer and adapted to the incisor during the retreatment procedure to direct the access of the drill through the root. The GE technique enabled removal of the post with greater precision and efficiency, facilitating the completion of endodontic retreatment without unnecessary removal of dentin.