Creating a digitized database of maxillofacial prostheses (obturators): A pilot study.
- Author:
Mahmoud ELBASHTI
1
;
Mariko HATTORI
;
Yuka SUMITA
;
Amel ASWEHLEE
;
Shigen YOSHI
;
Hisashi TANIGUCHI
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords: Digitized database; Obturators; Intraoral scanner; Modeling; 3D printing; Emergency
- MeSH: Emergencies; Humans; Maxillofacial Prosthesis*; Pilot Projects*
- From:The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics 2016;8(3):219-223
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: PURPOSE: This study aimed to create a digitized database of fabricated obturators to be kept for patients' potential emergency needs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A chairside intraoral scanner was used to scan the surfaces of an acrylic resin obturator. The scanned data was recorded and saved as a single standard tessellation language file using a three-dimensional modeling software. A simulated obturator model was manufactured using fused deposition modeling technique in a three-dimensional printer. RESULTS: The entire obturator was successfully scanned regardless of its structural complexity, modeled as three-dimensional data, and stored in the digital system of our clinic at a relatively small size (19.6 MB). A simulated obturator model was then accurately manufactured from these data. CONCLUSION: This study provides a proof-of-concept for the use of digital technology to create a digitized database of obturators for edentulous maxillectomy patients.
