Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Device and Dynamic Navigation System for Postremoval in Maxillary Molars

Frederico C Martinho; Syed J Qadir; Ina L Griffin; Mary Anne S Melo; Guadalupe G Fay

doi:10.1016/j.joen.2024.02.004

Augmented Reality Head-Mounted Device and Dynamic Navigation System for Postremoval in Maxillary Molars

J Endod. 2024 Feb 17:S0099-2399(24)00097-9. doi: 10.1016/j.joen.2024.02.004. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Frederico C Martinho¹, Syed J Qadir², Ina L Griffin², Mary Anne S Melo³, Guadalupe G Fay⁴

Affiliations

¹ Division of Endodontics, Department of Advanced Oral Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Maryland, School of Dentistry, Baltimore, Maryland. Electronic address: fmartinho@umaryland.edu.
² Division of Endodontics, Department of Advanced Oral Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Maryland, School of Dentistry, Baltimore, Maryland.
³ Division of Operative Dentistry, Department of General Dentistry, University of Maryland, School of Dentistry, Baltimore, Maryland.
⁴ Division of Prosthodontics, Department of Advanced Oral Sciences and Therapeutics, University of Maryland, School of Dentistry, Baltimore, Maryland.

PMID: 38369102
DOI: 10.1016/j.joen.2024.02.004

Abstract

Introduction: This study evaluates the feasibility of an augmented reality (AR) head-mounted device (HMD) displaying a dynamic navigation system (DNS) in the surgical site for fiber postremoval in maxillary molars and compares it to the DNS technique.

Methods: Fifty maxillary first molars were divided into 2 groups: AR HMD + DNS (n = 25) and DNS (n = 25). The palatal canal was restored with RelyX fiber post (3M ESPE) luted with RelyX Unicem (3M ESPE). A core buildup was performed using Paracore (Coltene/Whaledent). Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans were taken before and after postremoval. The drilling trajectory and depth were planned under X-guide software (X-Nav Technologies, Lansdale, PA). For the AR HMD + DNS group, the AR HMD (Microsoft HoloLens 2) displayed the DNS in the surgical site. The three dimensional (3D) deviations (Global coronal deviation [GCD] and global apical deviation [GAD]) and angular deflection (AD) were calculated. The number of mishaps and operating time were recorded.

Results: Fiber post was removed from all samples (50/50). The AR HMD + DNS was more accurate than DNS, showing significantly lower GCD and GAD deviations and AD (P < .05). No mishap was detected. The AR HMD + DNS was as efficient in time as DNS (P > .05).

Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, the AR HMD can safely display DNS in the surgical site for fiber post-removal in maxillary molars. AR HMD improved the DNS accuracy. Both AR HMD + DNS and DNS were time-efficient for fiber postremoval in maxillary molars.

Keywords: AR; Augmented reality; dynamic navigation system; endodontics; goggles; postremoval.