Physical Simulation Models in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: A New Concept in 3-Dimensional Modeling for Removal of Impacted Third Molars.

A medical-grade computed tomography scan of a mandible was obtained. A DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) series was exported in 1-mm slices and digitally 3-dimensionally reconstructed to create a stereolithography file. The mandible stereolithography file was digitally manipulated to create sites for simulated placement of third molar teeth and then 3-dimensionally printed in a plastic material.