Locating a Calcified Root Canal with Robotic Assistance: A Case Report.

Abstract

Introduction: Precise, minimally invasive, and efficient endodontic treatment of calcified root canals is challenging. Robot-assisted treatment has been applied in the field of implantology and has demonstrated excellent accuracy. This case report presents the methods and steps for locating a calcified root canal using robotic assistance.

Methods: A 49-year-old female patient was diagnosed with symptomatic apical periodontitis and pulp necrosis with pulp canal obliteration in the left maxillary central incisor. Using patient data, we entered a digital model into the preoperative planning software to acquire an operation path design. The robotic system utilized spatial alignment techniques for registration, guiding the robotic arm to autonomously and precisely obtain access to the calcified root canal, based on the path design. After rigorous infection control and root canal filling, the patient's symptoms disappeared.

Results: With the robotic assistance, the calcified root canal was accurately and efficiently located in a minimally invasive manner, and the patient experienced symptom relief and functional recovery.

Conclusions: The findings reported from this case support robotic assistance as a promising technique for locating calcified root canals.