Deviation analysis of guided fiber post removal using an assembled sleeveless guide system: A case series.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Guided fiber post removal has been reported to have acceptable accuracy in in vitro studies, but its deviation and feasibility in clinical settings remain unclear.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this case series was to quantitatively evaluate deviations in guided fiber post removal using an assembled sleeveless guide system and to explore the associations of potential factors such as jaw, side, tooth type, and post length with removal deviations.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A total of 20 guided fiber post removal procedures in 17 patients using an assembled sleeveless guide system were included. Preoperative and postoperative cone beam computed tomography imaging data and digital dental arch scans were collected to determine the axes of the planned and actual removal paths. Angular deviation, cervical linear deviation, apical linear deviation, and excess volume loss were calculated. The associations of jaw, side, tooth type, and post length with these deviations were evaluated using separate univariate regression analyses. P values were Bonferroni-adjusted for multiple testing.

RESULTS

The angular deviation, cervical linear deviation, and apical linear deviations between actual and planned removal paths were 2.62 ±1.60 degrees, 0.31 ±0.20 mm, and 0.45 ±0.17 mm, respectively. Excess volume loss was 1.98 ±0.89 mm³. No significant association of jaw, side, tooth type, or post length with removal deviations was observed (adjusted P>.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Guided fiber post removal using an assembled sleeveless guide system exhibited measurable angular and linear deviations between actual and planned removal paths. The level of these deviations in clinical practice was comparable with that in in vitro findings.