Yinzhuo Liu

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicative potential of 3D‐printed teeth, designed from real clinical cases, in endodontic specialty training. Methods: The study collected radiological data from clinical cases and performed 3D reconstruction. Through the data of 3D reconstruction, two 3D‐printed materials were used to fabricate personalized, full‐size, resin tooth models. These models were assigned to endodontic specialty trainees for root canal therapy practice in the dental simulator. A questionnaire was designed to evaluate trainees' perceptions of the similarity between 3D‐printed tooth models and natural teeth, using a 5‐point scale (1 = extremely dissimilar, 5 = extremely similar). Results: The results indicated that the 3D‐printed tooth models accurately replicated the anatomical shape and root canal morphology of natural teeth, closely resembling real clinical cases. Trainees perceived the instructional value of the 3D‐printed models as moderately similar to that of natural teeth. However, the hardness of 3D‐printed models varied depending on the material used. Trainees reported a noticeable difference in handling perception between all resin tooth models and natural teeth during operative procedures. Conclusion: Personalized 3D‐printed tooth models—designed from real clinical cases with high anatomical accuracy and scalable production potential—demonstrate significant promise as specialized teaching aids for endodontic root canal therapy training. These models offer endodontic trainees the invaluable opportunity to practice on simulations of typical or complex clinical scenarios.

Aim: This study aimed to develop an injectable thermo‐responsive composite paste based on digested dentine matrix extract (DDME) for dentine regeneration, with potential applications in vital pulp therapy. Methodology: An injectable PLGA–PEG–PLGA/DDME paste was developed and characterized using FTIR. The injectability and self‐curing behavior of the composite were evaluated. Its biocompatibility and odontogenic potential were assessed in vitro using human dental pulp cells (hDPCs). Dentine‐forming capacity was investigated in an in situ rat model. The effect of the paste on protein expression in hDPCs was examined by label‐free proteomic analysis, and the underlying mechanism of DDME‐induced odontogenesis was screened. Data were analyzed using Student's t‐test and one‐way analysis of variance. Results: The PLGA–PEG–PLGA/DDME paste exhibited excellent injectability and temperature‐dependent self‐curing. Rheological analysis confirmed shear‐thinning behaviour and enhanced viscoelastic properties compared to Water/DDME controls. PLGA–PEG–PLGA significantly improved the handling characteristics of DDME while preserving its bioactivity. In vitro, the paste supported human dental pulp cell viability, migration and odontogenic differentiation, upregulating RUNX2, DMP‐1, DSPP and ALP, and enhancing mineralized nodule formation. In situ evaluation in a rat dentine defect model demonstrated that the paste promoted the formation of dentine bridges. Proteomic analysis revealed mTOR signalling as a key pathway, and inhibition experiments with rapamycin confirmed its role in mediating DDME‐induced odontogenesis. Conclusions: The PLGA‐PEG‐PLGA/DDME composite paste is a promising injectable biomaterial for dentine regeneration, with mTOR modulation offering a potential strategy to optimize outcomes.