To date, no suitable model tooth has been available for all standard restorative and prosthodontic procedures. To fill this gap, a realistic multilayer tooth with enamel, dentin, integrated caries, pulp, and electrometric and X-ray imaging abilities was developed. The aim of this study was to test the printed tooth while focusing on caries excavation and pulp capping.
Based on micro-CT data, a tooth was designed and produced via 3D printing. A total of 396 teeth were tested and evaluated by 66 fourth- and fifth-year students experienced in caries excavation at standard typodonts, extracted teeth and patients. They excavated the caries and capped the pulp on six teeth and rated them in a questionnaire.
Compared with natural teeth, the printed teeth were generally rated positively and significantly better in all criteria than typodonts used previously ( p < .001). They were rated as a suitable training option (Ø 2.3 ± 0.9) with fair examination conditions (Ø 2.1 ± 0.8) and easy to use (Ø 2.0 ± 0.8). Subjective learning success was also significantly greater (Ø 2.3 ± 0.9) than that of standard typodonts (Ø 3.2 ± 1.1) ( p < .001). In general, the students desired more exercises with 3D-printed teeth for their studies (Ø 1.8 ± 0.8).
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