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

Objectives: 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. Materials and methods: 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. Results: 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 Conclusion: The conventional free-hand technique significantly improved the operator's accuracy and efficiency compared with DNS for the retrieval of injectable gutta-percha.