Application of 3D printing technology in clinical practice and education of operative and endodontics dentistry

BAI Shizhu; TIAN Yu

doi:10.15956/j.cnki.chin.j.conserv.dent.2025.08.001

Abstract：Clinical practice and education in operative and endodontics dentistryhave long been constrained by two-dimensional imaging and conventional training materials,making it difficult to accurately cope with scenarios such as calcified canals,complex anatomy,and curved root canals.3D printing,as an additive manufacturing technology,enables high-precision reproduction of complex structures through digital workflows.This review systematically outlines the principles and workflows of 3D printing in this field,summarizes mainstream printing technologies and material properties,and categorizes application formats including modular models,anatomy-specific replicas,transparent and magnified models,and patient-specific surgical guides.In terms of education,3D printing enables standardized,repeatable,and quantifiable training;enhances anatomical understanding and procedural accuracy;supports objective assessment;and strengthens students'clinical confidence.Clinically,patient-specific models and guided endodontics are employed for calcified canal localization,post removal,and apical microsurgery,demonstrating submillimeter accuracy,reduced chairside time,and a lower risk of complications.Key challenges include insufficient material realism and radiopacity,limitations in printer accuracy and cost,workflow errors and the absence of unified standards,as well as a lack of long-term evidence-based research.The Future directions should focus on multi-material and high-resolution printing,cost optimization,integration with VR/AR,AI,and 4D printing,and the establishment of standardized research methods and multicenter clinical studies.3D printing is reshaping education and clinical practice in operative and endodontics dentistry,practice toward precision,minimally invasive approaches,and efficiency.