Impact of Fixation Pins and Metal Sleeves on the Precision of Guided Endodontics: An Analysis Using Extracted Teeth

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of guided endodontic access and fiberglass post removal, comparing stabilization methods such as metal sleeves and fixation pins. Material and Methods: Sixty-four extracted human teeth (32 mandibular molars and 32 single-rooted teeth) were divided into groups based on the use or non-use of fixation pins and metal sleeves. Precision was assessed using pre- and post-procedure CBCT scans to analyze deviations in bur positioning. Results: For guided endodontic access, significant differences in angular deviation were found between the group using fixation and no sleeves (2.64°) and the group without fixation and sleeves (1.37°) (P<0.05). No other significant differences were found in either access or post removal procedures (P>0.05). Mean deviations in post removal ranged from 1.98° to 2.15°. Conclusions: Guided endodontic techniques are highly reliable, with metal sleeves and fixation pins offering no significant improvement in precision.