Kohima, Jul 5: Nagaland achieved a major milestone in dentistry with the fabrication of the state’s first 3D printed monolithic complete dentures, with experts saying it would lower the risk of human error, reduce patient visits and enable quicker delivery of the prosthetics.
It was achieved during a workshop on ‘Fabrication of monolithic complete denture using PolyJet 3D printer’ at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) on Saturday. Around 30 dental professionals participated in the training programme.
The procedures were carried out by Dr Thungbeni P Ngullie, Senior Resident, Nagaland Institute of Medical Science and Research on five patients. She demonstrated the complete digital workflow and delivered the first five 3D printed monolithic dentures in Nagaland.
Explaining the technology, Dr Ngullie said a monolithic complete denture is a full denture printed as a single unit rather than being assembled from multiple components.
She said the workshop showcased the complete digital workflow from conventional impression-taking and scanning to computer-aided design and final fabrication using a PolyJet 3D printer.
She explained that while certain conventional clinical procedures, such as border moulding and recording jaw relations, were retained for greater accuracy in edentulous patients, the remaining workflow was digitised.
The clinical data were scanned, converted into virtual models, digitally designed and then printed using PolyJet technology, she said.
According to Dr Ngullie, the PolyJet printer used can produce up to 32 dentures in about 14 hours, while the five dentures prepared were printed in approximately five to six hours.
Highlighting the advantages of digital dentures, she said the technology reduces the conventional fabrication process from around 15 manual steps to about six or seven, lowering the risk of human error, reducing patient visits and enabling quicker delivery.
She said digital records can be stored permanently, allowing damaged or lost dentures to be reproduced without repeating the entire clinical process.
Dr Ngullie also noted that unlike conventional printers, which require separate printing of teeth and gum components, PolyJet technology enables the denture to be printed as a single multi-material unit, resulting in improved strength, aesthetics and efficiency.
She described the technology as a major advancement in modern prosthetic dentistry that will benefit both clinicians and patients.
Dr Ngullie said this technology will revolutionise dental care, especially in older patients.
Addressing the workshop, Health and Family Welfare Commissioner and Secretary Anoop Khinchi said healthcare is being redefined by technology, and dentistry is no exception, while noting that digital tools, from digital impressions and CAD-CAM systems to 3D printing, have shifted dentistry towards greater precision, faster treatment and improved patient comfort.
He said the government views digital dentistry as an important step in making healthcare more accessible and efficient across Nagaland.
Referring to PolyJet 3D-printed monolithic dentures, he said the technology significantly improves conventional methods by producing strong, biocompatible and accurately fitting dentures in a fraction of the time, directly benefiting patient care.
Khinchi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to skill development so that healthcare professionals remain equipped with emerging technologies.
He said digital transformation in healthcare requires collaboration between hospitals, academic institutions, industry and government.
Khinchi said the benefits of 3D printing and digital dentistry should extend beyond a few specialised centres to district hospitals, dental colleges and community clinics across the state.(PTI)
