Removal of Supernumerary Teeth Utilizing a Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing Surgical Guide

Area of Science:

• Dentistry
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Supernumerary teeth, such as mesiodens, often require surgical removal due to potential complications.
• Conventional surgical removal carries risks of damaging adjacent permanent teeth or tooth germs.
• Surgical guides offer a potential solution to enhance precision in maxillofacial procedures.

Observation:

• This report details two pediatric cases involving the surgical removal of a mesiodens.
• A custom surgical guide was utilized for the removal of the supernumerary tooth in both a child and an adolescent.
• The surgical guides were designed using computer-aided design (CAD) and fabricated via 3D printing (computer-aided manufacturing - CAM).

Findings:

• The use of surgical guides facilitated the precise removal of mesiodens in both pediatric patients.
• This technique proved beneficial in cases where conventional removal methods would have been challenging.
• The surgical guides increased the accuracy and predictability of the extraction procedure.

Implications:

• Surgical guides represent a valuable advancement in the management of supernumerary teeth, particularly in pediatric patients.
• This technology can potentially minimize surgical risks and improve patient outcomes.
• The integration of CAD/CAM in oral surgery offers enhanced precision for complex dental extractions.