Application of 3D-printed teeth models in teaching dentistry students: A scoping review

INTRODUCTION

Both regular teaching of dentistry students and various training schemes for dentists primarily make use of the series teeth models, resin blocks or extracted teeth, whereas the 3D teeth models may well offer an alternative in this respect.

METHODS

PubMed and EMBASE were searched in September 2020. Eligibility of the studies was determined on whether they had made use of the 3D-printed teeth models in both pre- and post-graduate education in dentistry.

RESULTS

The final review embraced 15 studies. There were 659 (89.54%) student participants, and 77 (10.46%) dentists involved in those studies. Five studies addressed the prosthetic and surgical procedures, two-endodontics, one-paediatric dentistry and one-trauma management. The 3D-printed models were also used in the study focused on enhancing the students' manual dexterity, whilst making use of the PhantHome tool.

DISCUSSION

The 3D-printed teeth models developed for teaching purposes are used in various areas of dentistry. Their overall usefulness in acquiring the necessary hands-on skills for clinical work was acknowledged in all the studies under review, regardless of a specific procedure at issue. The 3D models effectively eliminate the hazard of cross-infection. Overall effectiveness of the soft tissue reproduction appears to be their weakest point indicated to date, especially in the surgical models.

CONCLUSIONS

The 3D-printed teeth models provide an alternative to the extracted ones, and the series teeth models in regular teaching practice. Participants of the studies under review thoroughly recommend introducing 3D models into any hands-on practice.

The 3D printed teeth models intended for hands-on practice in conservative dentistry

OBJECTIVES

Designing and printing out a 3D model of a mandible, including the teeth with replicated carious lesions, to be fitted into the Dental Patient Simulator. Students assessed the 3D teeth models against the extracted teeth and the standard models, identifying specific restorative dentistry procedures where they might be applied as the teaching aids.

METHODS

A 3D tooth model was printed out against a patient's Cone Beam Computed Tomography scan. The study was attended by 22, 5th-year students, who, having prior removed the caries, filled in the cavities of different classes and trepanned the pulp chamber in the 3D models, subsequently rating them against a questionnaire.

RESULTS

Over 95% of students recommended introducing the 3D models into teaching conservative dentistry with endodontics at the pre-clinical stage to enhance manual skills in cavity preparation and filling. The replication of tissue hardness and anatomical characteristics in the 3D models was rated significantly higher, as compared to the standard ones (p <0.05). Over 90% of students also asserted that working on the 3D models would enhance their pulp chamber trepanation skills, and rated overall replication of the anatomical characteristics significantly higher, in comparison with the standard teeth models (p <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In pre-clinical education, the 3D teeth models offer a viable alternative, as there is an appreciable potential for different types of teeth to be printed out, in full consideration of their anatomical diversity. Further design refinements in the 3D teeth models are required, though, particularly the ones regarding true-to-life replication of the soft tissues.

Making use of three-dimensional models of teeth, manufactured by stereolithographic technology, in practical teaching of endodontics

INTRODUCTION

Making use of 3D printed teeth models in teaching students offers an innovative approach. The mistakes made by the students at the access cavity stage were assessed with the aid of 3D models, and their overall, hands-on learning progress was evaluated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Ninety 3D models of teeth were constructed using stereolithographic technology and then randomly divided into 9 groups. One dentistry student was randomly assigned to each group and then performed primary access cavity in 10 identical 3D models. Then the teeth were evaluated in the order of their preparation, relative to the model tooth.

RESULTS

The material of 14 (15.5%) out of 90 teeth models sustained significant damage during the preparation. As regards the remaining 76 (84.5%) 3D models, the students committed the greatest number of mistakes on the incisors, and fewer on the molars and the least in the premolars. The difference in the number of errors between particular groups of teeth was statistically significant (P = .0001). The number of errors committed in subsequent repetitions amongst all students was significantly different for the incisors (P = .00215) and premolars (P = .00383), whereas insignificant in the case of molars (P = .77116).

CONCLUSIONS

Thanks to perfect representation of teeth anatomy; making use of 3D models in the teaching of endodontics may well be recommended as holding substantial potential in improving overall quality of training at the pre-clinical stage, with a view to appreciably reducing overall risk of encountering complications during the actual clinical work.

Challenges in diagnosing odontogenic lesions in maxillary sinuses

&lt;b&gt;Objectives:&lt;/b&gt; The study aimed to identify the patients with pathological lesions in the maxillary sinuses in which the reported symptoms might be indicative of odontogenic origin, as well as to establish specific causative risk factors promoting their development. &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Methods and Materials:&lt;/b&gt; The study covered 44 patients with suspected odontogenic maxillary sinusitis. Dental examination and Cone Beam Computed Tomography were completed. The age of patients ranged between 19 and 69 years, and the mean age was 43 (SD = 13.9) years. &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; Out of 44 patients, 22 (50%) had non-odontogenic lesions in maxillary sinuses, while in 15 (34.1%) dental origin was established. In the remaining 7 (15.9%) patients, no pathological changes were found in the sinuses. The median of reported symptoms was 10 months (Q1 = 4, Q3 = 24). The reported complaints were not associated with the actual cause of pathological lesions. &lt;br&gt;&lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; Odontogenic cause of the lesions in the sinuses should primarily be hypothesized, especially in patients with long-term disease symptoms, also regarding any unilateral inflammations.

Dental assessment of odontogenic maxillary sinusitis, aided by Cone Beam Computed Tomography

OBJECTIVES

To identify tooth diseases as potential causative factors in the development of maxillary sinus lesions, with the aid of clinical examination combined with Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT), in the patients with persistent sinus-like ailments, unresponsive to routine treatment offered by otolaryngologists.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In 44 patients with suspected odontogenic maxillary sinusitis, a dental examination with tooth vitality test was carried out, in conjunction with CBCT. The study involved 29 women and 15 men (age range 19-69 years, mean age 43 (SD = 13.9) years).

RESULTS

In 15 (34.1%) patients the odontogenic lesions were encountered in maxillary sinuses. A total of 33 causative teeth were identified, of which 13 (39%) were after root canal treatment (RCT). Only one of the teeth had a properly reconstructed crown, and only one tooth had the root canals properly filled-in. Most frequently, the lesions in the sinuses were attributed to the inflammation of periapical tissues; the first molar having been established as the most common causative tooth.

CONCLUSIONS

A detailed dental examination, pursued in conjunction with CBCT analysis, allow to diagnose odontogenic maxillary lesions. The incidence of long-term ailments originating in the maxillary sinuses should prompt a detailed assessment of the teeth, especially those after RCT.

Assessment of conformity between clinical (radiological) and histopathological diagnoses of chronic inflammatory periapical lesions treated with apicoectomy. Clinical and histopathological diagnoses of periapical lesions. Research article

OBJECTIVES

Periapical inflammation is one of the most common pathologies within the jaws, leading to the destruction of periodontal ligaments, bone resorption and the formation of periapical granulomas or radicular cysts. The final diagnosis can be made only on the basis of histopathological examination. The aim of the study was to assess the conformity between clinical and histopathological diagnosis of inflammatory periapical lesions treated with apicoectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The case histories of 52 patients subjected to surgical treatment at the Clinic of Conservative Dentistry with Endodontics between 2008 and 2018 were analyzed. Demographic data (age, gender), clinical (radiological) diagnosis, and data on the presence of sinus tracts and causal tooth were obtained from patients' records.

RESULTS

In the light of clinical and radiological examination, 32 (61.5%) periapical granulomas, 18 (34.6%) radicular cysts and 2 (3.9%) periapical scars were diagnosed, whereas the result of histopathological examination revealed granuloma in 34 (65.4%) cases and in 18 (34.6%) - radicular cyst. For clinical diagnosis of granuloma, the result coincided with the result of the histopathological examination in 28 cases, and in the case of cysts in 14. The analysis showed a significant relationship between the clinical and histopathological diagnoses (p <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The study emphasizes the importance of histopathological assessment for the proper diagnosis of periapical lesions.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The article emphasizes the high importance of histopathological examination for the correct diagnosis of chronic inflammatory periapical lesions.

Multiple invasive cervical resorption and celiac disease: A case report

Multiple invasive cervical resorption (MICR) is a rare disease of unknown etiology. A case of a patient with MICR of six teeth, with low vitamin D3 level detected, is presented. Applied surgical and general treatments were only partially effective, as they failed to stop the resorption, although the parameters of calcium-phosphate management appreciably improved, and secondary hyperparathyroidism was successfully resolved.