Digital Hybrid Model Preparation for Virtual Planning of Reconstructive Dentoalveolar Surgical Procedures

Summary

A workflow for creating three-dimensional (3D) virtual hybrid models has been designed based on cone-beam computed tomography dataset and intraoral optical scans utilizing radiographic image segmentation methods and free-form surface modeling. Digital models are used for the virtual planning of reconstructive dentoalveolar surgical procedures.

Abstract

Virtual, hybrid three-dimensional (3D) model acquisition is presented in this article, utilizing the sequence of radiographic image segmentation, spatial registration, and free-form surface modeling. Firstly cone-beam computed tomography datasets were reconstructed with a semi-automatic segmentation method. Alveolar bone and teeth are separated into different segments, allowing 3D morphology, and localization of periodontal intrabony defects to be assessed. The severity, extent, and morphology of acute and chronic alveolar ridge defects are validated concerning adjacent teeth. On virtual complex tissue models, positions of dental implants can be planned in 3D. Utilizing spatial registration of IOS and CBCT data and subsequent free-form surface modeling, realistic 3D hybrid models can be acquired, visualizing alveolar bone, teeth, and soft tissues. With the superimposition of IOS and CBCT soft tissue, thickness above the edentulous ridge can be assessed about the underlying bone dimensions; therefore, flap design and surgical flap management can be determined, and occasional complications may be avoided.

Introduction

Technological advancements in dentistry have enabled computer-aided treatment planning and simulation of surgical procedures and prosthetic rehabilitation. Two essential methods for 3D data acquisition in digital dentistry are: (1) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)¹ and (2) intraoral optical scanning (IOS)². Digital information of all relevant anatomical structures (alveolar bone, teeth, soft tissues) can be acquired using these tools to plan reconstructive dentoalveolar surgical procedures.

Cone-beam technology was first introduced in 1996 by an Italian research group. Delivering significa....

Protocol

This study was conducted in complete accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Before manuscript preparation, written informed consent was provided and signed by the patient. The patient granted permission for data usage for the demonstration of the protocol.

1. Radiographic image processing

1. Load DICOM files into the software
   1. Download the newest version of the medical imaging software and open it.
      NOTE: After opening the software, the home screen will appear........

Discussion

With the presented protocol, periodontal and alveolar defect morphologies can be visualized in three dimensions (3D), providing a more accurate depiction of the clinical situation than can be achieved by 2D diagnostic methods and 3D models generated with thresholding algorithms. The protocol can be divided into three major phases: (1) semi-automatic segmentation of CBCT datasets, (2) spatial registration of CBCT and IOS, and (3) free-form surface modeling. Technically, segmentation can be performed on any three-dimension.......

Materials

Name	Company	Catalog Number	Comments
3DSlicer	3DSlicer (The software was first developed at Queen’s University Canada and since it is open source it is constantly developed by it’s community)	4.13.0-2021-03-19	Open source radiographic image processing software platform. Software is primarily intended for general medicine, however the wide range of segmentation an modelling tools allow it’s use for dental purposes as well
Meshmixer	Autodesk Inc.	3.5	Open source free form surface modelling software developed for prototype development and basic 3D sculpting. However, due to the usefulness of tools for dental purpose, not just 3D models, but even static guides for navigated surgery can be designed.