Evaluation of a haptic virtual reality simulator for endodontics training

Abstract

The usage of haptic simulators in Odontology has been growing in recent years. With them, users can employ rotational instruments attached to force-feedback devices to achieve various manoeuvres atop a simulated tooth. There is, however, one speciality within Odontology, called Endodontics, for which no simulator exists. Endodontics is responsible for treating diseases affecting the roots of the teeth. This procedure demands of the surgeon fine motor skills and an accurate sense of touch. Aiming at improving these professionals' training, this work has developed and analysed the application of a haptic simulator designed for the practice of the RCP routine with manual files. As reported by tests carried out with specialists, the simulator is sufficiently realistic to mimic such a task.