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Updated: Jun 25, 2026
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Dynamic Navigation in Endodontics: Guided Access Cavity Preparation by Means of a Miniaturized Navigation System
Published on: May 5, 2022
Root Canal Location Accuracy: Dynamic Navigation Verses Freehand in Extracted Human Molars - A Randomized In Vitro
Fei Chen1, Tianxiao Han2, Haili Guo1
1Department of Stomatology, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.
International Dental Journal
|June 23, 2026
Summary
Dynamic navigation systems (DNSs) significantly improve root canal location accuracy in molars compared to freehand methods. These systems reduce angular deviation by over 94% and tooth structure loss by over 26%, enhancing procedural success.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Dental technology
- Minimally invasive dentistry
Background:
- Accurate root canal location is critical in endodontic treatment.
- Complex root canal anatomy in molars presents challenges for conventional techniques.
- Dynamic navigation systems (DNSs) offer potential for improved precision.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the accuracy, instrumentation time, and success rate of three DNS types (infrared-active, infrared-passive, visible light-passive) against freehand (FH) operation.
- To evaluate DNS performance in locating root canals of maxillary and mandibular molars.
- To provide data for selecting appropriate techniques in complex endodontic cases.
Main Methods:
- Ninety-six extracted human molars were divided into four groups: IA-DNS, IP-DNS, VP-DNS, and FH (control).
- Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) was used for specimen scanning.
- Real-time bur position tracking was employed in DNS groups; the FH group used a microscope with CBCT reference.
- Key parameters measured included angular and 3D deviations, instrumentation time, tooth structure loss, and canal location success rate.
Main Results:
- DNS groups showed significantly higher accuracy, with 94.3%–94.7% lower angular deviation compared to FH (P < .001).
- Three-dimensional deviations at entry and target points were significantly smaller in DNS groups (P < .001).
- Tooth structure loss was reduced by 26.8%–34.6% with DNS (P < .001), and success rates were higher (99.54% vs. 93.06%, P = .004). No significant differences were found among DNS types.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic navigation systems significantly enhance the accuracy of root canal location in molars.
- DNS minimizes tooth structure loss and increases the success rate of endodontic procedures.
- The consistent performance across different DNS types supports their use for precise endodontic management, especially in calcified canals.
