Bio-Modelling Using Rapid Prototyping by Fused Deposition

Abstract

This work deals with planning the dental surgery by making bio-model of the jaw of the patient using rapid prototyping (RP) technique called fused deposition modelling (FDM). The bio-model is not only increasing the safety of dental surgery but also aiding diagnosis and treatment planning. Having an exact model of the patient’s jaw in hand would enable a surgeon to plan the surgery more precisely, as compared to one which is planned using 2D images obtained from CT scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or X-ray. A mock surgery has been performed on the bio-model by making holes using drill bits of the same size and material as the ones used in an actual surgery and after that the implants were placed and screwed into the holes drilled to secure their positions. This drill has been given the surgeon an exact idea of size of the implant and the orientation in which the implant has to be placed and also depth up to which the hole has to be drilled in order to avoid the damage of the Inferior Alveolar Canal.