Sinus Lift and Implant Insertion on 3D-Printed Polymeric Maxillary Models: Ex Vivo Training for In Vivo Surgical Procedures

The current application of 3D printing simulator in surgical training

In the rapidly evolving field of medical education, the integration of innovative technologies has become paramount to enhance the training and proficiency of future surgeons. Among these advancements, the application of 3D printing technology stands out as a useful tool in surgical training. The advantages of the 3D printing model include customization, re-usability and low-cost. The average cost of the 3D printing simulators was between $100-1000. However, there were extremely high potential labor cost during the 3D printing that hadn't been calculated into. Additionally, in the current stage, the 3D printing simulator still have specific limitations. The most mentioned limitation was poor haptic feedback of the simulators, which was very important during the surgical training, since it is the key element for junior doctors to master practical procedures. Also, some simulators didn't possess the integrated and elaborate structure as the human tissue, hence not the whole surgical procedures can be practiced by the trainees, and further improvement should be made. Although there are shortages, many studies have proved that 3D printing simulator can effectively reduce learning curves and is useful to enhance the trainees' surgical skills.

3D printing materials and 3D printed surgical devices in oral and maxillofacial surgery: design, workflow and effectiveness

Oral and maxillofacial surgery is a specialized surgical field devoted to diagnosing and managing conditions affecting the oral cavity, jaws, face and related structures. In recent years, the integration of 3D printing technology has revolutionized this field, offering a range of innovative surgical devices such as patient-specific implants, surgical guides, splints, bone models and regenerative scaffolds. In this comprehensive review, we primarily focus on examining the utility of 3D-printed surgical devices in the context of oral and maxillofacial surgery and evaluating their efficiency. Initially, we provide an insightful overview of commonly utilized 3D-printed surgical devices, discussing their innovations and clinical applications. Recognizing the pivotal role of materials, we give consideration to suitable biomaterials and printing technology of each device, while also introducing the emerging fields of regenerative scaffolds and bioprinting. Furthermore, we delve into the transformative impact of 3D-printed surgical devices within specific subdivisions of oral and maxillofacial surgery, placing particular emphasis on their rejuvenating effects in bone reconstruction, orthognathic surgery, temporomandibular joint treatment and other applications. Additionally, we elucidate how the integration of 3D printing technology has reshaped clinical workflows and influenced treatment outcomes in oral and maxillofacial surgery, providing updates on advancements in ensuring accuracy and cost-effectiveness in 3D printing-based procedures.

3D-printed model for gingival flap surgery simulation: Development and pilot test

INTRODUCTION

To assess the feasibility of a realistic model for learning oral flaps using 3D printing technology.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A mould was designed to reproduce the mandibular gingival mucosa, and a mandibular model was created using a three-dimensional printer for training undergraduate students to perform gingival flaps. After a short interview about its use, the participants were asked to use the simulator and provide feedback using a 5-point Likert questionnaire.

RESULTS

The 3D-printed oral surgery flap training model was practical and inexpensive. The model was very realistic, educational and useful for hands-on training.

CONCLUSIONS

3D printing technology offers new possibilities for training in dental treatments that are currently difficult to replicate. The use of this simulator for oral flap surgery was well-received and considered promising by the participants.

Reproducibility of human landmark identification in morphological mandible prototypes: major parameters for a 3D CBCT approach

The establishment of anthropometric measurements is of fundamental importance for the correct identification of human bodies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of two-dimensional craniometric landmarks obtained from three-dimensional cone beam computed tomography reconstructions for forensic identification of humans. Computed tomography images with voxel sizes of 0.25, 0.3, and 0.4 mm were obtained using i-CAT® three-dimensional equipment. Ten landmarks were randomly selected, and 10 measurements were demarcated in the three-dimensional reconstruction to evaluate the mandibular condyle, ramus, and body. This study demonstrated that protocols with voxels of 0.3 mm should be preferentially indicated for the evaluation of linear and angular measurements. Implementing our methodology using prototypes for clinical and forensic simulations allows comparisons with human databases in identification issues.

Application Effect of External and Internal Elevation of Maxillary Sinus in Implant Restoration of Posterior Maxilla

Objective

To explore and analyze the application effect of external and internal elevation of the maxillary sinus in implant restoration of the posterior maxilla.

Methods

A total of 84 patients undergoing implant restoration of the posterior maxilla in the hospital were enrolled between January 2019 and March 2021. According to the random number table method, they were divided into the observation group (n = 42) and the control group (n = 42). The control group underwent external elevation of the maxillary sinus, while the observation group underwent internal elevation of the maxillary sinus. At 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after surgery, the pain degree between the two groups was compared. All were followed up at 6 months after surgery. The osseointegration (bone resorption around implants, elevation height of maxillary sinus floor, average healing time) and soft tissues (bleeding index, plaque index, probing depth) in both groups were observed. The occurrence of postoperative complications was recorded.

Results

At 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h after surgery, VAS scores in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). At 6 months after surgery, bone resorption and elevation height of the maxillary sinus floor in the observation group were significantly higher than those i.0.0n the control group, and the average healing time was significantly shorter than that in the control group (P < 0.05). The bleeding index, plaque index, and probing depth in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the observation group and the control group (9.52% vs. 19.05%) (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The application effect of internal elevation of the maxillary sinus is good in implant restoration of the posterior maxilla, which can relieve pain and swelling and improve implant effect.