3-D PRINTING A NEW LEAP IN DENTISTRY

Digital dentistry or 3D dental imaging is one of the most important

and exciting developments in dental diagnostic technology in the past
decade. Digital dentistry refers to the use of dental technologies or devices
that incorporates digital or computer-controlled components to carry out
dental procedures. This helps to carry out dental procedures more
efficiently.

It prepares patient for reconstructive therapy or oral surgery and

gives the dentist a better ability to effectively plan complex treatment.
These treatments range from implants, bone grafts, root canals all the way
to inlays , onlays , crowns and veneers.3D printing is used in both rapid
prototyping and additive manufacturing. General principals include
modelling, printing, finishing. Involves building a three-dimensional object
from a computer-aided design (CAD) model or AMF file, usually by
successively adding material layer by layer.

3D printers have become more affordable and recent commercial

awareness and interest have led these to gain much popularity, the use of
this powerful technology, which has the ability to change the future of not
only periodontology but also other specialties of dentistry.