Print and Try Technique: 3D-Printing of Teeth with Complex Anatomy a Novel Endodontic Approach

A Novel Self-Assessment Method for Training Access Cavity on 3D Printed Endodontic Models

BACKGROUND

New technologies can facilitate the transition from pre-clinical to clinical settings. We investigate students' satisfaction with a novel learning method adopted in access cavity exercises.

METHODS

Students performed their access cavity on inexpensive, in-house 3D printed teeth. Their performances were evaluated by scanning the prepared teeth with an intraoral scanner and visualized using a mesh processing software. Then, the same software was used to align the tooth prepared by the student and the teacher's one for self-assessment purposes. Students were asked to answer a questionnaire about their experiences with this new learning method.

RESULTS

From the teacher's perspective, this novel learning approach was easy, straightforward and affordable. Overall, student feedback was positive: 73% found that access cavity assessment by scanning was more useful compared to a visual inspection under magnification and 57% reported that they had a better understanding of errors and mishaps. On the other hand, students pointed out that the material used to print teeth was too soft.

CONCLUSION

The use of in-house 3D printed teeth in pre-clinical training is a simple way to overcome some of the drawbacks associated with extracted teeth, such as limited availability, variability, cross-infection control, and ethical constraints. The use of intraoral scanners and mesh processing software could improve student self-assessment.

3D-Printed Teeth in Endodontics: Why, How, Problems and Future-A Narrative Review

Three-dimensional printing offers possibilities for the development of new models in endodontics. Numerous studies have used 3D-printed teeth; however, protocols for the standardization of studies still need to be developed. Another problem with 3D-printed teeth is the different areas of literature requested to understand the processes. This review aims to gather evidence about 3D-printed teeth on the following aspects: (1) why they are advantageous; (2) how they are manufactured; (3) problems they present; and (4) future research topics. Natural teeth are still the standard practice in ex vivo studies and pre-clinical courses, but they have several drawbacks. Printed teeth may overcome all limitations of natural teeth. Printing technology relies on 3D data and post-processing tools to form a 3D model, ultimately generating a prototype using 3D printers. The major concerns with 3D-printed teeth are the resin hardness and printing accuracy of the canal anatomy. Guidance is presented for future studies to solve the problems of 3D-printed teeth and develop well-established protocols, for the standardization of methods to be achieved. In the future, 3D-printed teeth have the possibility to become the gold standard in ex vivo studies and endodontic training.