Comparison of scanning depth in widened root canals: An analysis of three intraoral scanners and two scanning techniques

Abstract

Statement of problem

Although intraoral scanners have been increasingly utilized as alternatives to conventional impression techniques, their precision in capturing the complex anatomy of prepared widened root canals, essential for post placement after endodontic treatment, remains underexplored.

Purpose

The purpose of this in vitro study was to assess the efficacy of different intraoral scanners in scanning widened root canals. The study analyzed the depth (mm) and surface area scanned (mm²) and compared 2 scanning techniques.

Material and methods

Ten human single-rooted second premolars were endodontically treated, sectioned perpendicularly to their long axis, subsequently widened, and embedded in 3-dimensionally printed casts. Each specimen was scanned by all 3 intraoral scanners, TRIOS 3, MEDIT i600, and PRIMESCAN, and an impression was subsequently made with acrylic resin to serve as a control. Two scanning techniques were used: conventional, with rectilinear scanning movements, and oscillatory, with rotating oscillating movements over the entire piece to be scanned. The data were analyzed using repeated-measure ANOVA with the Tukey post hoc test for comparison among groups (α=.05).

Results

Significant differences in scanning depth were observed among techniques (P<.001), with the oscillatory method achieving greater depth overall, especially with PRIMESCAN. An interaction between scanner and technique (P<.001) identified their combined impact on accuracy, with PRIMESCAN also capturing the largest surface areas.

Conclusions

Regarding the scanned surface area, the oscillatory technique showed greater effectiveness in all groups, while PRIMESCAN obtained a greater area in the conventional technique.