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Fasel JHD, Beinemann J et al. Ann R Coll Surg Engl 2013; 95: 401–404

Minimally invasive and personalised surgery, and radiology are increasingly being used together. 3D printing constructs a replica from a digital model. But is this a true replica? This study only examined three cadavers. This belies the key conclusion that 3D printing was 'far from anatomically accurate' when compared with anatomical maceration (controlled purification), the gold standard. 3D printing revealed a litany of artefacts and defects. With regard to dental osteology, the 3D print showed a pseudo-nutrient foramen at the coronoid process, whereas the actual nutrient foramen was adjacent to the insertion of the buccinator muscle. And then there were the usual artefacts caused by dental amalgam restorations. Problems associated with the use of 3D printing in dentistry, particularly when used in dental implant planning were not within the remit of this report.