Impact of digital dentistry on clinical practice, research and education

Abstract

In recent years, digital workflows and technologies have revolutionized clinical practice, research and education. The term “Digital Dentistry” encompasses digital imaging, intraoral scanners, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing workflows and three-dimensional (3D) printing technologies. Therefore, underscoring the profound impact of digital dentistry on the dental field, this thesis focused on various subjects. 3D printing technologies were investigated for educational purposes, with the aim to create patient-specific training models. A systematic revision was conducted on this topic, and two workflows were defined to obtain patient-specific models from radiological images. Intraoral scanners were thoroughly analyzed, assessing their accuracy in implant-prosthetic treatments and searching for predictable errors. Furthermore, an innovative technique called 'Reverse Subgingival Scan' was introduced to improve accuracy in fixed prosthodontics. The accuracy of 3D printed surgical guides, widely used in implant surgery, was explored analyzing different 3D printing technologies and guide sizes. In conclusion, the research focused on the development of 3D-printed scaffolds that can address bone defects and tissue engineering in oral surgery.