Innovative 3D-printed dental teaching model for root canal treatment simulation

Background/purpose

Effective endodontic education requires realistic models for simulating clinical procedures, particularly working length (WL) determination using electronic apex locators (EALs). Traditional training methods using extracted or plastic teeth lack standardization, realism, and compatibility with EALs. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a 3D-printed tooth model with conductive properties that allows realistic and standardized training in EAL-based WL determination.

Materials and methods

Custom 3D-printed teeth with two distinct working lengths (20.0 mm and 21.9 mm) were designed using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and 3D scanning. Each tooth was embedded in two types of conductive media—tap water and saline. Thirty-six participants (students, trainees, and instructors) performed WL measurements using the Root ZX mini EAL. Accuracy was defined as measurements within ±0.5 mm of the true WL.

Results

The model demonstrated high reproducibility across user groups and media. Instructors achieved perfect accuracy (100 %), trainees ranged from 87.5 % to 100 %, and students demonstrated acceptable but more variable accuracy (86.7 %). No significant differences in measurement outcomes were observed between the two media (P > 0.05). Significant differences in accuracy were found among the three groups (P < 0.05), indicating the model's discriminative ability in assessing experience levels.

Conclusion

This novel 3D-printed model simulates realistic root canal anatomy and conductive conditions for effective EAL training. It distinguishes varying proficiency levels and provides a reproducible, standardized platform for preclinical education. The model bridges the gap between theoretical learning and clinical practice, making it a valuable tool for contemporary endodontic training.