OR06 - Accuracy of 3-dimensional Printed Surgical Guides with Varying Trephine Port Lengths in Simulated Endodontic Microsurgery

Abstract: Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the accuracy of targeted endodontic microsurgery (TEMS) utilizing three different port lengths in a surgical simulation model. Methodology: Thirty 3D-printed resin mandibular models were fabricated for simulated TEMS of the mesial root of a mandibular first molar. After preoperative planning, surgical guides were produced using a stereolithography printer with port lengths of 5mm, 7mm and 10mm. Two board-certified endodontists performed TEMS on the mesial root of #30 with associated surgical guides. Postoperative CBCT images of the experimental models were made and imported into Geomagic Studio software for comparison to the preoperative surgical plan. Linear deviations of the trephine bur at entry and at full depth were measured, and angular deviation was evaluated. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted to examine the effects of port length of the guides on the surgical outcomes. The level of significance was set at P < .05. Results: There was no statistical difference between 5mm, 7mm, and 10mm port lengths with respect to linear deviation at full depth and point of entry as well as angulation of the trephine bur. Conclusion: In this surgical simulation scenario, the use of a 5mm port length produced similar results in terms of linear deviation and angulation of the trephine bur when compared to surgical guides with 7mm and 10mm port lengths. The ability to use a smaller port length can aid in the ability to perform TEMS in cases with limited access.