Feasibility of a 3D surgical guide technique for impacted supernumerary tooth extraction: A pilot study with 3D printed simulation models

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a 3-dimensional (3D) planned surgical guide technique designed for impacted supernumerary teeth (STs) extraction using 3D printed simulation models. In total, 17 participants from two university hospitals were recruited. Each participant performed surgery with both the conventional and surgical guide techniques. The following parameters were evaluated: (1) The time required for ST extraction, (2) the area of the window opening, and (3) the volume of the material removed. Time required for ST extraction was 213.65 ± 167.45 sec and 114.76 ± 42.87 sec in the conventional and surgical guide techniques, respectively, with significant differences (p = 0.028). The required area of the window opening was 48.10 ± 9.44 mm2 and 45.90 ± 8.17 mm2, respectively, in the conventional and surgical guide techniques, with no significant differences (p > 0.05). The required volume of the material removed was 121.65 ± 43.69 mm3 and 99.12 ± 17.88 mm3 in the conventional and surgical guide techniques, respectively, with significant differences (p = 0.031). The 3D planned surgical guide technique was effective for impacted ST extraction. Within the limits of this study, the surgical guide technique allows us to accomplish minimally invasive surgery within a shorter duration.