DentistryOnline courseGnathology
Calculating an individual spherical occlusal surface from CBCT data — a digital route to occlusal and TMJ planning
Rimas Šurna, a professor of technical cybernetics, revisits the old spherical theory of occlusion and turns it into a patient-specific calculation in Spherical Occlusion Theory – For Dentists and Dental Technician Team. Four lessons totalling 5 h 39 min show how DICOM data are segmented, how TMJ joint space is measured in 3D, and how the computed occlusal sphere guides rehabilitation, edentulous cases, guides and splint design.
- 4lessons
- 5 h 39 minof video
What you’ll be able to do
- Explain the spherical occlusal surface theory and why it rarely reached practice
- Collect and segment DICOM scans of the maxilla and TMJ for analysis
- Quantify joint space in three dimensions and spot early signs of TMD
- Compare the calculated sphere with the patient’s real occlusal surface
- Use the calculation to set vertical dimension, design guides and plan splints
Inside the course
The idea behind the calculation
Lesson 1 reviews how the occlusal plane is determined, the curves of Spee, Wilson and Monson and tooth reorientation, then introduces the individual calculation with a clinical case, notes on healthy patients and teledentistry protocols.
From scan to numbers
The second lesson lists the starting data, walks through segmenting the hard tissues of the masticatory system, and compares the calculated surface with the real one.
Analysis and application
Case-based sessions analyse arch segmentation problems, condylar position and occlusal level, orientation and curvature, then apply the method to varied and edentulous patients and to rational splint guidelines.
About Rimas Šurna
With teaching posts at Yale, the University of Arizona and Kaunas University of Technology behind him, he has published more than 70 scientific articles and holds nine inventions.
Built for
- Functionally oriented dentistsA quantitative, image-based way to plan occlusal rehabilitation.
- Dental techniciansA shared numerical reference for setting up occlusal curves with the clinician.
Curriculum
Individualized Spherical Occlusal Surface Calculation (1 h 11 min) 8 topics
- Occlusal plane and its determination
- Spherical occlusal surface theory
- Why a long-known spherical theory has not found practical application
- The individualized spherical occlusal surface calculation idea
- Clinical case of individualized spherical occlusal surface application
- Individualized spherical occlusal surface for healthy patients
- Reorientation of teeth in the arch and curves of Spee, Wilson and Monson
- Teledentistry protocols and their application in clinical practice
Data Collection, Processing and Evaluation of Occlusal Analysis (1 h 38 min) 6 topics
- Initial patient data for the calculation
- Radiological DICOM scan of the maxilla and temporomandibular joint
- Segmentation of hard components of the masticatory system
- Quantitative three-dimensional assessment of TMJ joint space
- The real spherical occlusal surface
- Comparing the individualized and the real spherical occlusal surface
Analysis of Occlusal Surface Level, Orientation and Curvature on Joint Function (1 h 29 min) 5 topics
- Clinical cases and analysis steps
- Analysis of arch segmentation problems
- Digital analysis and evaluation of occlusion
- Accurate digital analysis of condylar position and primary signs of TMD
- Analysis and treatment planning of TMD and occlusal rehabilitation
Individualized Spherical Occlusal Surface Calculation Application in Clinical Practice (1 h 20 min) 4 topics
- Analysis of data from various patients
- Edentulous patients: the calculation and vertical dimension of occlusion
- Using the calculation to develop specific guides
- Rational splint design guidelines
Before you buy
Do I need CBCT access to use the method?
The workflow starts from a DICOM scan of the maxilla and TMJ, so access to cone beam imaging is effectively required.
What kind of teaching style should I expect?
Šurna is presented as a professor of technical cybernetics, so the lessons are analytical and data-driven rather than chairside technique demonstrations.
Do I get CME credit or a certificate?
No. Clinicapedia provides the educational content only — no CME or CE credits, MOC points or certificates of completion are included with this product.
Specifications
| Format | Online video course |
|---|---|
| Instructor | Rimas Šurna |
| Contents | 4 lessons |
| Duration | 5 h 39 min |
| Access | Lifetime, self-paced |
| Department | Dentistry |
| Delivery | Instant download · lifetime re-download |
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