Development and testing of a prototype of a dental extraction trainer with real-time feedback on forces, torques, and angular velocity

Abstract

The need for a training modality for tooth extraction procedures is increasing, as dental students do not feel properly trained. In this study, a prototype of a training setup is designed, in which extraction procedures can be performed on jaw models and cadaveric jaws. The prototype was designed in a way that it can give real-time feedback on the applied forces in all three dimensions (buccal/lingual, mesial/distal, and apical/coronal), torques, and angular velocity. To evaluate the prototype, a series of experimental extractions on epoxy models, conserved jaws, and fresh frozen jaws were performed. Extraction duration (s), angular velocity (degrees/s), average force (N), average torque (Nm), linear impulse (Ns), and angular impulse (N ms) were shown in real-time to the user and used to evaluate the prototype. In total, 342 (92.9%) successful extractions were performed using the prototype (n= 113 epoxy factory-made, n=187 epoxy re-used, n=17 conserved, n=25 fresh frozen). No significant differences were found between the conserved and the fresh frozen jaws. The fresh frozen extraction duration, linear impulse, and angular impulse differed significantly from the corresponding values obtained for the epoxy models. Extractions were successfully performed, and the applied forces, torques, and angular velocity were recorded and shown as real-time feedback using the prototype of the dental extraction trainer. The feedback of the prototype is considered reliable.