Use of 3D printed model as an aid in surgical removal of a rare occurrence of a compound odontome in the anterior mandible associated with impacted teeth

Abstract

The use of 3D printing in the medical field has been well documented, with significant developments in fabrication of tissues, organs, customized prosthetics, implants, and anatomical models as well as pharmaceutical research. Its use in dentistry, however has been limited mainly to maxillofacial surgery and reconstruction, orthognathic surgery and trauma. Compound odontomes are usually prevalent in the anterior maxilla, however, their occurrence in the anterior mandibular region is rare. This case report highlights the effective usage of 3D printing as an aid in the surgical removal of a compound odontome and impacted incisors in the mandibular anterior region. The surgery was carried out under general anesthesia. A full thickness muco-periosteal flap was reflected and the compound odontome along with the impacted incisors were removed. The defect was restored using a mixture of autogenous scrapes harvested from the chin, xenograft and platelet-rich fibrin. Wound closure was done using 4-0 vicryl. A CBCT scan taken 1 year later confirmed uneventful healing and complete bone regeneration of the surgical defect.