Three-dimensional visualization of a mandibular first molar with three distal roots using computer-aided rapid prototyping.
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.
Lee
Seung-Jong
SJ
Department of Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.
Jang
Kyung-Ha
KH
Spangberg
Larz S W
LS
Kim
Euiseong
E
Jung
Ii-Young
IY
Lee
Chang-Young
CY
Kum
Kee-Yeon
KY
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