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Development and Evaluation of an Endodontic Simulation Model for Dental Students
Michael Wolgin1, Paul Wiedemann2, Wilhelm Frank2
1Dr. Wolgin is Assistant Professor, Centre for Operative Dentistry, Periodontology, and Endodontology, University of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, Danube Private University, Krems, Austria; Dr. Wiedemann is a postdoctoral student, Centre for Operative Dentistry, Periodontology, and Endodontology, University of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, Danube Private University, Krems, Austria; Dr. Frank is Professor, Centre for Preclinical Education, Department of Biostatistics, University of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, Danube Private University, Krems, Austria; Dr. Wrbas is Professor, Centre for Operative Dentistry, Periodontology, and Endodontology, University of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, Danube Private University, Krems, Austria, and Professor, Department of Operative Dentistry and Periodontology, Center for Dental Medicine, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Albert-Ludwigs-University, Freiburg, Germany; and Dr. Kielbassa is Dean, Professor, and Head, Centre for Operative Dentistry, Periodontology, and Endodontology, University of Dental Medicine and Oral Health, Danube Private University, Krems, Austria. michael.wolgin@dp-uni.ac.at.
This study developed a new endodontic simulation model for dental students to practice electronic working length determination. The electronic apex locator (EAL) method proved more accurate than radiography for pinpointing the apical constriction.
Area of Science:
- Endodontics
- Dental Education
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Accurate working length determination is crucial in endodontic treatment.
- Traditional methods like radiography have limitations in precision.
- Electronic apex locators (EALs) offer a potential alternative for precise measurements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel endodontic simulation model for preclinical training.
- To assess the practicality of using electronic apex locators (EALs) for dental students.
- To compare the accuracy of EALs versus radiographic methods in determining root canal working length.
Main Methods:
- A simulation model was created using human teeth embedded in resin with a conductive medium.
- Dental students performed root canal instrumentation using EAL-derived working lengths.
- Post-instrumentation analysis involved digital imaging and 3D software to measure distances from anatomical landmarks.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant difference was found between actual and radiographically targeted working lengths (p=0.0001).
- The electronic method showed a higher precision in locating the apical constriction (R(2)=0.0198) compared to radiography (R(2)=0.0019).
- The difference between radiographic and electronic readings was also statistically significant (p=0.016).
Conclusions:
- The developed endodontic simulation model is effective for preclinical dental education.
- The electronic apex locator method demonstrates superior accuracy for working length determination compared to radiography.
- This simulation model facilitates the practical application and learning of advanced endodontic techniques.
