title: A novel anatomical ceramic root canal simulator for endodontic training.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Endodontic therapy is often complicated and technically demanding. The aim of this study was to develop a reproducible biomimetic root canal model for pre-clinical and postgraduate endodontic training.
  
  
  METHODS
  A specific ceramic shaping technique (3D printing and slip casting of a root canal mould) was developed to reproduce canal systems with the desired shape and complexity using a microporous hydroxyapatite (HAp)-based matrix. The microstructural morphology, pore size and porosity, as well as the Vickers microhardness of the ceramic simulators (CS) were assessed and were compared with natural dentin and commercial resin blocks. The reproducibility of the root canal shapes was assessed using the Dice-Sørensen similarity index. Endodontic treatments, from refitting the access cavity to obturation, were performed on the CS. Each step was controlled by radiography.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Many properties of the CS were similar to those of natural dental roots, including the mineral component (HAp), porosity (20%, porous CS), pore size (3.4 ± 2.6 μm) and hardness (120.3 ± 18.4 HV).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We showed that it is possible to reproduce the radio-opacity of a tooth and variations in root canal morphology. The endodontic treatments confirmed that the CS provided good tactile sensation during instrumentation and displayed suitable radiological behaviour.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This novel anatomic root canal simulator is well suited for training undergraduate and postgraduate students in endodontic procedures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics, Faculty of Odontology, Université de Lille, Lille, France.|Faculty of Medicine, INSERM U1008, Université de Lille, Lille, France.|LMCPA, Université de Valenciennes, Valenciennes, France.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Robberecht
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Medicine, INSERM U1008, Université de Lille, Lille, France.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Chai
authors.affiliation: Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Université de Lille, Lille, France.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dehurtevent
authors.affiliation: PMOI EA 4490, Université de Lille, Lille, France.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Marchandise
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics, Faculty of Odontology, Université de Lille, Lille, France.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bécavin
authors.affiliation: LMCPA, Université de Valenciennes, Valenciennes, France.
authors.forename: J-C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Hornez
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics, Faculty of Odontology, Université de Lille, Lille, France.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Deveaux
mesh_terms: D002516:Ceramics; D003786:Dental Pulp Cavity / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D004708:Endodontics / Q000193:education*; D008953:Models, Anatomic; D066330:Printing, Three-Dimensional; D000066908:Simulation Training
keywords: artificial tooth; endodontic training; hydroxyapatite; pre-clinical endodontics; root canal