Realistic Haptic Interaction for Computer Simulation of Dental Surgery

Abstract In this paper we present a system for simulating apicoectomies. Defined reduction of bone with a drill without injuring therein lying structures is an essential part of surgical techniques, especially during dental surgery. A computer based simulator with haptic feedback could reduce costs and offers new training possibilities. However, due to extremely demanding computational requirements, haptic rendering of high detailed anatomic models together with interactive techniques for reduction of bone is still a big challenge. In the following, we portray new algorithms which, on the one hand, allow for realistic haptic rendering of even very small anatomic structures and on the other hand are capable of simulating the reduction of bone with realistic haptic sensations. As an application a system for simulating apicoectomies is shown.