Editor’s Desk

We live in a 3Dimensional world and Dentistry has finally embraced this fact. Through the use of technology we can create a virtual patient, diagnose, design, execute, and deliver to the patient their desired prosthetics that are functional as well while reducing chairtime. Go to any dental meeting today and the majority of dentists in the room will have a CBCT and Intra-oral scanner (IOS) in their practice. These tools have become indispensable for most dentists. A few may even have a 3D printer or mill. The benefits of 3D technology of course really shine when treating complex cases such as the atrophic jaws featured in this edition of DDHK Magazine but even the single tooth implant in the esthetic zone and orthodontic cases can benefit as well. While 3D scans are useful the ultimate goal is to deliver a prosthesis and this is being done more and more with additive manufacturing (3D printing) versus more established subtractive manufacturing (milling) technologies.

There are 4 main parts to the process of using 3D technology to treat a patient.

1. Data Acquisition – Depending on the case, scans may be taken using CBCT, IOS, and even 3D Face scans which are then merged to create a virtual patient.
2. Software planning and design – Digital Prosthetic waxups are made and any surgical treatment is planned based on that waxup.
3. Fabrication of appliances – Surgical guides, custom implants, and prosthetic prototypes or even clear aligners are fabricated using additive manufacturing or milling
4. Placement of implants and/or Prosthetics to treat the patient.

In essence we have a real patient that is virtualized, plans and designs are done in a virtual world and through 3D printing or milling, devices and prosthetics are created which are used and delivered to the very real patient.

The majority of dentists may have 3D technology but are not using these tools to their full capacity due to a lack of experience and knowledge of proper workflows. Oftentimes a piece of equipment is purchased and it sits unused due to a lack of training. Education programs for dentists and auxiliary staff are necessary to fill in the gaps and allow dentists to fully leverage their equipment purchases. Online magazines/journals/courses can help fill this need for education and be reinforced through in person courses as well to make efficient use of time.

There has never been a better time to be a dentist with our current ability to transform our patient’s smiles through the use of technology. Come along on this journey with us. It is bound to be educational and interesting.

Rick Ferguson, DMD, DABOI/ID, DICOI, FACD – Guest Editor