Assessment of 3D-Printed Tooth Containing Simulated Deep Caries Lesions for Practicing Selective Caries Removal: A Pilot Study

Abstract

A standard model for practicing caries removal skills is needed to support learners in managing deep carious lesions. The aim of the current study was to prepare 3D-printed teeth with added simulated carious layers and a pulpal structure. A first permanent mandibular containing occlusal (Class I) or proximal (Class II) cavities was printed. The teeth were then filled with wax and resin-modified glass ionomer cements mixed with a color modifier to simulate pulp and deep caries, respectively. Undergraduate dental students (n = 61) were asked to remove the caries using the selective caries removal (SCR) technique on the teeth. The students then completed a self-administered questionnaire to rate their caries removal experiences. One instructor then assessed the prepared teeth. Overall, the students provided positive feedback on the use of 3D-printed teeth; 72.1% agreed that the printed teeth provided a realistic model for practicing the SCR technique, 75.4% indicated that the new teeth were the appropriate choice for practicing the SCR technique, and 86.9% agreed that 3D-printed teeth should be used before treating real patients. More than half of the students had satisfactory outcomes in terms of the depth and caries removal aspects of the cavity preparation. These findings suggest that the developed 3D-printed teeth can potentially be adopted to practice caries removals in preclinical dental education.

The Use of 3d Printers in Dental Production Practice: Possibilities for the Manufacture of Individual Dental Prostheses and Elements (Review Article)

“…Cohort Study Petre et al [40] 2023 205 Panpisut et al [41] 2022 Suryajaya et al [42] 2021 Park et al [43] 2019 Hou et al [44] 2024 Clinical Study 260 Ding et al [45] 2023 Khan et al [46] 2024…”

“…Stereolithography emerges as the most frequently mentioned technology, cited in seven instances across multiple studies [22], [25], [26], [40], [45], [47], [52]. Digital Light Processing follows with four mentions [22], [30], [35], [50], while Fused Deposition Modeling and resin-based 3D printing each appear twice [36], [44] and [41], [46] respectively. Additionally, the review encompasses a diverse range of other 3D printing technologies, collectively referenced 21 times [23], [26]- [34], [37], [38], [40], [41], [43], [48], [49], [53], [55], [57], [58].…”

“…Digital Light Processing follows with four mentions [22], [30], [35], [50], while Fused Deposition Modeling and resin-based 3D printing each appear twice [36], [44] and [41], [46] respectively. Additionally, the review encompasses a diverse range of other 3D printing technologies, collectively referenced 21 times [23], [26]- [34], [37], [38], [40], [41], [43], [48], [49], [53], [55], [57], [58]. This comprehensive overview underscores the multifaceted application of 3D printing in dental prosthetic and element manufacturing, providing valuable insights into the evolving landscape of dental production technologies.…”

“…Table 4 provides a comprehensive overview of results that encompass the clinical effectiveness of dental materials and techniques, the utilization of 3D printing and CAD/CAM in dentistry, the assessment of dental restorations and prosthetics, the evaluation of implantology techniques and procedures, and the assessment of orthodontic and surgical applications. Most commonly appearing studies within these categories include 3D printing and CAD/CAM applications [23], [36], [38], [52], [58]; dental restorations and prosthetics [31], [33], [46], [49], [53] and the evaluation of orthodontic and surgical applications [34], [35], [41], [43], [50], [54]. This summary provides a significant perspective on contemporary research and clinical methodologies, benefiting academics, practition-3D Printing Technology Frequency Author's Stereolithography (SLA) 7 [22], [25], [26], [40], [45], [47], [52] Digital Light Processing (DLP) 4 [22], [30], [35], [50] Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 2 [36], [44] Resin-based 3D printing 2 [41], [46] Various 3D printing technologies 21 [23], [26]- [34], [37], [38], [40], [41], [43],…”

Influence of New Technology in Dental Care: A Public Health Perspective

“…The use of simulation technology enables students to practice procedures in a safe and controlled environment, allowing them to develop their skills without the risk of harming patients. Overall, the integration of new technology into dental education has enhanced the learning experience for students, preparing them for a successful and rewarding career in the field [ 3 ].…”