An evaluation of dental operative simulation materials

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials science
• Dental materials research
• Mechanical engineering

Background:

• Dental operative simulation requires materials that mimic natural tooth behavior.
• Evaluating phantom teeth materials is crucial for effective dental training and education.
• Current simulation materials may not accurately replicate the tactile feedback of drilling natural teeth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the performance of common dental operative simulation materials.
• To compare these materials against natural extracted teeth using objective and subjective methods.
• To identify key factors influencing the drilling sensation in dental simulation.

Main Methods:

• Nanoindentation system used to characterize material properties (elastic modulus, hardness).
• Drilling sensation evaluated by dental students and registered dentists.
• Tool life (machinability) of diamond burs assessed during cutting of simulation and natural teeth.

Main Results:

• Student and dentist evaluations of drilling sensation were inconclusive.
• Elastic modulus and hardness were not primary determinants of drilling sensation.
• Drilling sensation correlates with cutting force and power consumption, highlighting machinability.

Conclusions:

• Machinability, reflecting cutting force and power, is critical for dental simulation materials.
• An ideal simulation material should provide drilling resistance comparable to natural teeth.
• Further research needed to develop simulation materials with accurate machinability properties.