Post Removal Using Guided Endodontics: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this review was to gather and assess all available evidence regarding the efficacy and complications of guided endodontics in the removal of dental posts. Methods: A systematic review was carried out by three reviewers in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. All clinical trials, observational studies, in vitro and ex vivo studies, case reports, and case series that reported the use of CBCT to create guides for dental post removal up to July 2023 were eligible for inclusion. The quality of the included studies was assessed by the reviewers using the CARE guidelines and the QUIN tool. A predetermined template was used to extract data regarding the participant characteristics, printer, materials, software, and clinical parameters of the procedure. Results: A total of nine studies were included. Of those, seven were case reports and two were in vitro studies. All the included publications showed that the use of guided endodontics was effective in the removal of the post. Complications were observed in only two cases. Studies showed variability among the techniques used, but all were successful. Accuracy was reported in only two studies. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this review, guided endodontics showed to be an effective technique for the removal of dental posts with a low risk of iatrogenic errors. The quality and amount of available evidence is still low. Future well-designed studies are essential to establish these findings.