IADR Abstract Archives
Representation of different stages of dental decay using 3D Volumetric Models
Objectives: With the use of dental simulation units, dental students spend a substantial part of their time in a laboratory setting developing clinical skills. Nowadays computer technology is increasingly used in practical training at universities. The aim of this study was to develop 3D volumetric teeth models simulating different stages of decay in different areas of the tooth.
Methods: Anterior and posterior mandibular teeth with decay of different stages of progression were selected. Different areas of decay (pit and fissures, proximal surfaces, root caries) were represented. The teeth were scanned using CBCT. Data processing and 3D reconstruction was done using Matlab (Mathworks, Natick, MA, USA) and display and virtual sectioning of the volumetric models was done using software developed in the Artificial Intelligence and Information Analysis Lab at the Department of Informatics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. An intensity-based thresholding procedure was used in order to segment the tooth from the holder. Pseudocoloring was applied on the models to show the layers of the tooth and the presence of decay.
Results: Scanning of the models proved to be challenging. The use of a holder with lower density was necessary in order to create smooth surface models. The development of the 3D models took several stages to give accurate representation of the decayed teeth. 249 slices were generated for each tooth. The generated 3D volumetric models can be freely rotated and sliced in order to reveal information for the tooth interior.
Conclusions: The results of this study showed that using 3D volumetric teeth models to depict dental decay can enhance the learning experience by assisting the students to understand the presence, progression and clearing of decay. The created models will be incorporated within a haptics enabled virtual reality simulator of dental procedures.
Methods: Anterior and posterior mandibular teeth with decay of different stages of progression were selected. Different areas of decay (pit and fissures, proximal surfaces, root caries) were represented. The teeth were scanned using CBCT. Data processing and 3D reconstruction was done using Matlab (Mathworks, Natick, MA, USA) and display and virtual sectioning of the volumetric models was done using software developed in the Artificial Intelligence and Information Analysis Lab at the Department of Informatics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. An intensity-based thresholding procedure was used in order to segment the tooth from the holder. Pseudocoloring was applied on the models to show the layers of the tooth and the presence of decay.
Results: Scanning of the models proved to be challenging. The use of a holder with lower density was necessary in order to create smooth surface models. The development of the 3D models took several stages to give accurate representation of the decayed teeth. 249 slices were generated for each tooth. The generated 3D volumetric models can be freely rotated and sliced in order to reveal information for the tooth interior.
Conclusions: The results of this study showed that using 3D volumetric teeth models to depict dental decay can enhance the learning experience by assisting the students to understand the presence, progression and clearing of decay. The created models will be incorporated within a haptics enabled virtual reality simulator of dental procedures.