3D-printed teeth enhance endodontic training

Dental Tribune International

Tue. 5. August 2025

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WÜRZBURG, Germany: Advances in 3D-printing technology have the potential to transform how future dentists learn practical skills. A new study has highlighted the potential of a 3D-printed molar model to enhance endodontic training for dental students. Developed using micro-CT scans of an extracted human tooth and fabricated with high-resolution stereolithography, the artificial molar closely replicated the complex anatomy of natural root canals and outperformed conventional acrylic blocks, offering a promising tool to complement and enhance traditional training methods.

In the study, researchers at the University of Würzburg developed a realistic 3D‑printed practice tooth with natural root canal anatomy and evaluated its effectiveness by integrating it into a dental student training course. The dental students, who had previous experience with acrylic training blocks and extracted teeth, performed root canal preparation and obturation on the printed tooth using both rotary and reciprocating systems. They were then asked to complete a questionnaire comparing the printed tooth to acrylic blocks and natural teeth on metrics such as realism, suitability, handling, learning success and desire for future training.

3D-printed practice tooth post-processing. (a) Dentine parts with resin residue on the build platform. (b) Enamel parts with resin residue on the build platform. (c) Washed enamel and dentine parts with supporting structures. (d) Enamel and dentine parts prepared for assembly. (e) Assembled tooth. (Image: © 2025 Di Lorenzo et al., licensed under CC BY 4.0)

According to the findings, the students rated the 3D‑printed tooth as significantly better than acrylic blocks in suitability for both practice and handling. Commonly cited strengths included realistic root canal anatomy, consistency and reproducibility across models, hygienic and ethical advantages over natural teeth and lower per‑unit cost. Despite these benefits, printed teeth were still rated slightly lower than natural teeth—particularly in terms of overall realism and suitability for completing the full scope of training before treating patients.

In spite of certain shortcomings, the researchers highlighted that training with the 3D-printed tooth sparked enthusiasm among the students. Over three-quarters reported increased motivation to improve their endodontic skills and expressed interest in additional exercises using the printed model.

In light of the findings, the researchers concluded that 3D‑printed practice teeth offer a cost-effective, reproducible and anatomically realistic alternative to acrylic blocks and natural tooth models in dental training. They believe that further enhancements, such as incorporating varying anatomies, enhanced tactile features or simulated soft tissue, could help narrow the gap between printed models and natural teeth.

The study, titled “3D printed tooth for endodontic training in dental education”, was published online on 20 June 2025 in Scientific Reports.

Construction of a practice tooth based on the reconstruction of a real tooth. From left: overview of the entire tooth consisting of enamel and dentine, cross-section of the tooth, complete tooth produced using 3D printing. (Image: Christian Höhne/UKW)

Reconstruction of a real tooth based on a micro-CT scan. From left: overview of the entire tooth, cross-section of the tooth; root canals and pulp. (Image: Christian Höhne/UKW)

The 3D-printed tooth has realistic properties. Appearance of the tooth in a dental radiograph with all internal structures visible (left), and CBCT image. (Image: Christian Höhne/UKW)