In the ever-evolving field of dentistry, advancements in technology continue to redefine conventional practices. Among these groundbreaking innovations, the use of intraoral scanning and 3D printed casts has revolutionized prosthodontics, particularly in the fabrication and retrofitting of metal-ceramic crowns supporting existing removable partial dentures (RPD). In this article, we explore the pioneering work by Pravinkumar G. Patil, BDS, MDS, and Huey Fen Lim, BDS, as published in JPD 2023.
Let's delve into the intriguing procedure and workflow steps that are transforming prosthodontic practices in fabricating retrofitted crowns for existing RPDs with intraoral scanning and 3D printing.
The image of the metal-ceramic crown retrofitted to an existing RPD was taken from the article "Fabrication of a CAD/CAM monolithic zirconia crown to fit an existing partial removable dental prosthesis" by Janghyun Paek, Kwantae Noh, Ahran Pae, and Hyeonjong Lee, which was published in The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics in 2016.
Embracing the Power of Intraoral Scanning and 3D Printing
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the use of intraoral scanning and 3D printing for the fabrication of dental restorations. These technologies offer a number of advantages over traditional methods, including:
Increased accuracy
Reduced chairside time
Improved communication between the dentist and laboratory technician
Workflow for fabrication of Retrofitted Crowns for Existing RPDs with Intraoral Scanning and 3D Printing:
The following steps are involved in the workflow for the fabrication and retrofitting of a metal-ceramic crown using intraoral scanning and 3D printing:
Intraoral scanning with the RPD in place: This scan is used to capture the retentive areas, guiding planes, and rest seats of the RPD.
Intraoral scanning without the RPD in place: This scan is used to capture the abutment tooth in isolation.
Use of 3D printed casts for fabrication: The 3D scans are used to create 3D printed casts of the abutment tooth and RPD.
Precise reproduction of retentive areas, guiding planes, and rest seats: The dental laboratory technician uses the 3D printed casts to fabricate a metal-ceramic crown that precisely reproduces the retentive areas, guiding planes, and rest seats of the RPD.
Advantage of this technique:
The use of intraoral scanning and 3D printing for the fabrication and retrofitting of a metal-ceramic crown offers a number of advantages over traditional methods, including:
Increased accuracy: Intraoral scanning provides a more accurate representation of the abutment tooth and RPD than conventional impressions. This results in a crown that fits better and is more likely to be successful.
Reduced chairside time: The use of intraoral scanning and 3D printing can reduce the amount of chairside time required for the fabrication of a metal-ceramic crown. This is because the dentist does not need to take multiple impressions or make a wax-up.
Improved communication: The use of 3D printing allows the dentist and laboratory technician to communicate more effectively about the crown design. This can help to ensure that the crown is fabricated to the dentist's specifications.
Conclusion:
The amalgamation of intraoral scanning and 3D printed casts has ushered in a new era of possibilities in prosthodontics. The work of Pravinkumar G. Patil, BDS, MDS, and Huey Fen Lim, BDS, showcases the transformative potential of these technologies, offering a glimpse into the future of dental crown fabrication and retrofitting. By incorporating these innovative techniques into their practice, prosthodontists can provide their patients with unparalleled precision, comfort, and aesthetics.
Are you interested in learning more about this ?
If so, I encourage you to check out the original research article The use of intraoral scanning and 3D printed casts to facilitate the fabrication and retrofitting of a new metal-ceramic crown supporting an existing removable partial denture by Pravinkumar G. Patil, BDS, MDS and Huey Fen Lim, BDS. The article was published in the Journal of Prosthodontic Dentistry in July 2023.
PS:
There are a number of other articles that describe similar techniques for retrofitting a metal-ceramic crown on an RPD. These articles include:
A technique for retrofitting a metal ceramic crown to an attachment-retained removable partial denture: A clinical report by Bulent Uludag, Fehmi Gonuldas, Emre Tokar, and Volkan Sahin (Journal of Prosthodontics, 2015
Fabrication of a CAD/CAM monolithic zirconia crown to fit an existing partial removable dental prosthesis by Janghyun Paek, Kwantae Noh, Ahran Pae, and Hyeonjong Lee (The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics, 2016)
Happy Learning!
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