INVESTIGATING THE, APPLICATION OF 3D PRINTING TECHNOLOGY IN DENTALI PROSTHETICS FABRICATION IN HOSPITALS IN ABUJA

This research was conducted to analyze the "Investigating the application of 3D Printing Technology in Dental Prosthetics Fabrication in Hospitals in Abuja'". Three objectives were formulated, which were to: evaluate the level of accuracy and precision of 3D printing technology in the fabrication of dental prostheses in hospitals in Abuja, investigate the feasibility of using 3D printing technology to fabricate customized dental prostheses for patients with complex dental anatomy or unusual clinical situations in hospitals in Abuja, and identify the limitations and challenges of using 3D printing technology in dental prosthesis fabrication in the study area. Structured Questionnaire was used for data collection, and 40 copies were respondents in the study area using purposive sampling technique. Data obtained were presented and interpreted using statistical frequency and percentage tables. Findings revealed that majority of the respondents agreed that the level of accuracy and precision of 3D printing technology in the fabrication of dental prosthetics may depend on various factors such as, the specific technology used, the expertise of the operator and the quality of the material. Using 3D printer to fabricate dental prosthetics could be accurate, precise and usable. 3D printing technology has the potential to improve patient care by providing accurate and precise prostheses. Some dental practitioners found the conventional method of die fabrication was more reliable than 3D printing technology for dental casts used in fixed prosthodontics. The dimensional accuracy of most dental models for three-unit prostheses fabricated by various 3D printing technologies is found to have high trueness and precision. Finding also revealed that that 3D printing technology is feasible for the fabrication of dental prostheses, including crowns, bridges, and complete dentures, and that 3D printing technology can produce accurate and efficient custom open trays for impressions of multiple implants, also 3D printing technology can be used to produce baseplates for jaw registration blocks and wax trial insertions for dentures and the use of 3D-printed Co-Cr alloy is a promising option for dental prostheses due to its improved properties, though technology and materials for 3D printing dental prostheses are still in their infancy and cannot yet be recommended. Majority of the respondents answered that 3D printing equipment, materials, and training can be financially burdensome for dental practices, especially for smaller clinics. Compared to traditional dental materials, the variety of materials suitable for 3D printing is somewhat restricted. This limitation can hinder the ability to replicate the look and feel of natural teeth accurately. 3D-printed dental devices require post-processing, which can be time- consuming and labour-intensive. The field of 3D printing in dentistry lacks universal standards, making it difficult to regulate the quality and safety of printed dental devices and this lack of standardization can lead to inconsistencies in the quality of patient care.