The effect of storage conditions and duration on dimensional stability of 3D-printed endoguides.

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated the dimensional stability and angular deviations of 3D-printed endodontic guides under varying storage conditions (wet vs. dry, dark vs. daylight) and durations (7 vs. 14 days).

Methods: Endodontic guides for the localization of obliterated canals were designed using BlueSkyPlan software (BlueSky Bio, IL, USA) and printed with Biomed Clear Resin V2 (Formlabs Inc., Somerville, USA) via SLA technology. A total of 40 endodontic guides were fabricated and divided into four groups (n = 10), each subjected to either light or dark storage conditions for durations of 7 or 14 days. Dimensional stability was assessed using root mean square (RMS) and angular deviations in Geomagic Design X (Oqton, USA). Statistical analyses were performed using IBM SPSS v29 with independent samples and paired t-tests (p = 0.05).

Results: Guides stored in dry conditions had lower RMS (0.052 ± 0.013) and angular deviations (0.29 ± 0.11) than wet conditions (RMS: 0.069 ± 0.028, p = 0.001; angle: 0.36 ± 0.11, p = 0.008). Angular deviations increased at 14 days (p = 0.003). Daylight exposure increased RMS deviations at 14 days in dry conditions (p = 0.001). Wet storage in dark conditions led to greater deviations at both time intervals(p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Storage conditions and duration significantly affect the dimensional stability of 3D-printed endodontic guides. Wet storage and prolonged duration reduce accuracy. To maintain precision, guides should be used within 7 days and stored in dry, dark environments.

Clinical trial number: Not applicable.