Creating protective appliances for preventing dental injury during endotracheal intubation using intraoral scanning and 3D printing: a technical note

J Dent Anesth Pain Med. 2017 Mar;17(1):55-59. doi: 10.17245/jdapm.2017.17.1.55. Epub 2017 Mar 27.

Abstract

Digital dentistry has influenced many dental procedures, such as three-dimensional (3D) diagnosis and treatment planning, surgical splints, and prosthetic treatments. Patient-specific protective appliances (PSPAs) prevent dental injury during endotracheal intubation. However, the required laboratory work takes time, and there is the possibility of tooth extraction while obtaining the dental impression. In this technical report, we utilized new digital technology for creating PSPAs, using direct intraoral scanners and 3D printers for dental cast fabrication.

Keywords: Digital Dentistry; Endotracheal Intubation; Patient Specific Protective Appliances; Three-Dimensional Printing.