The usefulness of cutting guides for resection or biopsy of mandibular lesions: A technical note and case report.

ABSTRACT

The application of three dimensional (3D) printed patient specific cutting guide for biopsy of a mandibular lesion closely positioned to the mandibular canal is presented. To prevent inferior alveolar nerve damage, the cutting site of the bone window was virtually planned and then the cutting guide was 3D printed. This guide enabled intra-operative control and resulted in absence of postoperative hypo- or dysesthesia. This case demonstrates that 3D printed patient specific guides can help reduce the risk of hypoesthesia in mandibular surgery.