Diagnosis and Treatment Planning using Rapid Prototyping Technology in Surgical Endodontics

Medical imaging technologies involve from X-rays to moreadvanced imaging modalities like computerized tomography(CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These newtechnologies are able to provide detailed three-dimensional(3D) pictures of areas of interest and therefore valuable datafor diagnosis and therapeutic management. The constructionof a physical model using this data provides numerousadvantages like better visualization of complex anatomic areas,pretreatment surgical practice and enhanced communicationand patient education. The following paper describes a casereport of a large periapical lesion involving upper anterior teethrequiring periapical surgery. The use of rapid prototypingtechnology aided in the accurate diagnosis and the precisemeasurements of the size and location of the lesion and itssubsequent management.