3D Printing in Dentistry

Abstract

Fabrication of three-dimensional (3D) items is of utmost importance in oral surgery, dental prosthodontics, and maxillofacial implants. Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) are promising technologies that can create structures of interest with acceptable efficiency, accuracy, and reproducibility. Among the different CAD/CAM technologies, 3D printing is well-received by dental professionals because of its capability for unlimited designs and ease of manufacturing. Using 3D printing, researchers may design combined cells and biomaterial constructs that closely mimic the complicated structures of natural tissues and organs to be employed in regenerative dentistry. Along with advances in image processing techniques, such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), 3D printing is expected to be used in clinical settings. In this chapter, we describe the 3D printing methods and applications, with primary focus on dental tissue engineering and oral/maxillofacial implants. The chapter also explores the importance of biomolecules and vasculature in 3D-printed constructs.