Influence of deviation tolerances on the positioning accuracy using computer aided dynamic navigation in endodontic surgery: a proof-of-concept

Abstract

Background: The operation accuracy of dynamic navigation is affected by deviation tolerance settings. This in vitro study was aimed to assess the influence of distance and angle deviation tolerances (DDT and ADT) on positioning accuracy in endodontic surgery using dynamic navigation. Materials and methods: Standardized models were designed and three-dimensional (3D) printed. The drilling depth was 15 mm, where hemispherical cavities were reserved. According to the DDTs and ADTs, they were divided into five groups (n = 10), and the tolerances of distance/angle deviation were set at 0.3 mm/5°, 0.6 mm/3°, 0.6 mm/5°, 0.6 mm/7°, and 0.9 mm/5°. During navigation guidance, the operation was completed from the model surface to the cavity, the trajectory of the approach was fitted and compared with the design path, and the operational accuracy was calculated and analyzed using one-way ANOVA. Results: When the ADT was 5°, the positioning two-dimensional (2D) distance deviation of the DDT 0.3 mm group and the 0.6 mm group were 0.52 ± 0.14 mm and 0.50 ± 0.07 mm, respectively, smaller than 0.73 ± 0.17 mm of the 0.9 mm group (P