Dynamically Navigated versus Freehand Access Cavity Preparation: A Comparative Study on Substance Loss Using Simulated Calcified Canals.

Introduction: The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the speed, qualitative precision, and quantitative loss of tooth structure with freehand and dynamically navigated access preparation techniques for root canal location in 3-dimensional-printed teeth with simulated calcified root canals.

Methods: Forty maxillary and mandibular central incisors (tooth #9 and tooth #25) were 3-dimensionally printed to simulate canal calcification. Under simulated clinical conditions, access preparations were randomly performed with contemporary freehand and dynamically navigated techniques.