Nitish Surathu, BDS, MDS
Private Practice
Gisborne, New Zealand
International Academy of Endodontics Annual Meeting
Long Essay Program
Saturday, March 4, 2023
Understanding 3D printing and its applications in dentistry and endodontics
The use of digital tools in dentistry has rapidly evolved over the last decade. Softwares for viewing and interpretation of radiological and surface data have been available for a while now. Software tools that enable positional CBCT-based treatment planning have also been available for over 15 years. The chair-side availability of production tools and software to physically produce objects (like implant surgical guides) that are a result of a digital workflow has however been largely restricted to subtractive technologies like milling. Additive technologies like 3D printing have been available for a while but used to traditionally be expensive and impractical. That has changed significantly in the last 5 years and 3D printing is now accessible as an extremely economical chair-side technology. This presentation will focus on understanding in-practice 3D printing technology and its applications in dentistry and endodontics.
Major topics to be addressed: 3D printing, digital workflows, milling, dentistry, endodontics
Learning objectives:
- Understand 3D printing technology and its use in dentistry
- Understand digital workflows and their end outcomes that result in a need for a manufacturing technology
- Understand the use of 3D printing in dentistry in general and endodontics in particular
Affiliations:
New Zealand Dental Association
The International Congress of Oral Implantologists
American Academy of Implant Dentistry
The International Congress of Oral Implantologists
American Academy of Implant Dentistry
Bio:
Dr. Nitish Surathu is a former Associate Professor of Periodontics who currently practices in New Zealand. He completed his BDS in 1991 and went on to complete an MDS in Periodontics in 1994. He is, by examination, an accredited Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and a Fellow and Diplomate of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists. He has lectured around the world on periodontics and dental implants and continues to be actively involved with podium lectures, hands-on, and clinical courses. Dr. Surathu served on the Executive Council of the Asian Pacific Society of Periodontology for over a decade and is currently a Director with the ACE Institute. He has also published in peer-reviewed journals and other publications and is actively involved in the evaluation of new-generation digital technologies in intraoral scanning, CAD software in dentistry, CAM milling technologies, 3D printing, guided implant surgery, and relevant materials.