Virtual Surgical Planning and 3D Printing in Veterinary Dentistry and Oromaxillofacial Surgery

Abstract

Virtual surgical planning and three-dimensional (3D) printing are preoperative processes requiring the acquisition of high-quality imaging data. A surgical treatment plan is created and rehearsed virtually as the operator manipulates the 3D images of the patient within the software. When the operator is satisfied with the plan, including anticipated osteotomies, tumor excision margins, and reconstruction options, physical 3D prints can be produced. This article introduces the reader to the basic concepts involved in virtual surgical planning and 3D printing as well as their implementation in veterinary oromaxillofacial surgery.

Keywords: 3D printing; Additive manufacturing; Computer-aided design (CAD); Computer-aided manufacturing (CAM); Computer-aided surgical planning; Stereolithography (SLA); Virtual surgical planning (VSP).