title: Three-dimensional visualization of a mandibular first molar with three distal roots using computer-aided rapid prototyping.
abstract: Nonsurgical endodontic therapy of a right mandibular first molar with 3 distal roots was successfully performed with the aid of magnification. 3D data (DICOM format) of the tooth were obtained from a CT HighSpeed Advantage and a Denta Scan program produced by GE Medical Systems. The CT protocol used for this procedure involved a slit thickness of 1 mm. The 3D digital data obtained were fed into a visualization program (V-works; Cybermed Co) and then exported to the rapid prototyping machine for fabrication of the actual-sized tooth model. The material for the model-making process was starch. The 3D digital visualization and the computer-aided rapid prototyping (CARP) model clearly showed 3 separate distal roots (distobuccal, distolingual, and middle distal). The CARP technique seems to be a useful imaging technology to document unusual root anatomy in clinical dentistry.
authors.affiliation: Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.
authors.forename: Seung-Jong
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Kyung-Ha
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Jang
authors.forename: Larz S W
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Spangberg
authors.forename: Euiseong
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.forename: Ii-Young
authors.initials: IY
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.forename: Chang-Young
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Kee-Yeon
authors.initials: KY
authors.lastname: Kum
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017076:Computer-Aided Design; D003751:Dental Fistula / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007091:Image Processing, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional / Q000379:methods*; D008334:Mandible; D008853:Microscopy; D003765:Models, Dental; D008963:Molar / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010482:Periapical Abscess / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D014092:Tooth Root / Q000033:anatomy & histology* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging