Dynamic navigation versus conventional freehand technique for injectable gutta-percha removal in endodontic retreatment: A comparative in vitro study.

Authors

Hakkim Sherifa Shervani, Dhanasekaran Sihivahanan, Kondas Vijay Venkatesh, Pradeep Kumar Yadalam, Sahana Selvaganesh

Published in

Journal of oral biology and craniofacial research. Volume 16. Issue 5. Pages 101521. Epub Aug 13, 2026.

Abstract

Dynamic navigation systems are increasingly used in endodontics to improve accuracy, particularly in complex cases. However, their effectiveness in routine procedures such as gutta-percha removal remains unexplored. This study compared the accuracy and efficiency of Dynamic Navigation System (DNS) versus the conventional freehand technique in gutta-percha retrieval.
Single-rooted mandibular first premolar teeth obturated with injectable thermoplasticized gutta-percha were used in this study. Tooth samples were mounted on a 3-dimensional (3D) printed mandibular cast. Pre-operative and post-operative Cone Beam Computed Tomography were performed. The samples (n = 56) were randomly divided into two groups (I: DNS; II: conventional technique). All procedures for both groups were performed by a single clinician who had been trained in DNS. Accuracy and efficiency were assessed by evaluating coronal and apical deviation, angular deflection, procedural time, and the extent of gutta-percha removal.
The data were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20 (IBM Corp., Armonk, N.Y., USA). The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was used to assess the normality of the data, and it was determined that all parameters were normally distributed. The mean and standard deviation were calculated as the descriptive statistics. An Independent t-test was employed to analyze intergroup comparisons of all parameters. The statistical significance level was determined at p < 0.05. The conventional group showed less coronal and apical deviation compared to the DNS group (p = 0.000). The conventional group exhibited less angular deflection than DNS group (p = 0.005). The conventional group required less procedural time than the DNS group (p = 0.010).
The conventional free-hand technique significantly improved the operator's accuracy and efficiency compared with DNS for the retrieval of injectable gutta-percha.

PMID:
42633076
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 23 Aug 2026.

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