Current Concepts of 3D Bioprinting and its Use in Craniomaxillofacial Surgery and Implant Dentistry

With the advent of computer-assisted design and computer-assisted manufacturing technology, 3D printing has found its way into the delivery of healthcare. From patient-specific surgical guides to 3D-printed anatomical models, 3D printing has endowed clinicians with greater precision in treatment of diseases. 3D bioprinting technology represents yet another advance in tissue engineering that aims to design constructs from biologically active cell-based bioinks. In the field of craniomaxillofacial and implant dentistry, 3D bioprinted constructs may hold promise for regeneration of orofacial defects and overcome the limitations of current management strategies. This article provides an overview of the concepts of 3D printing/bioprinting in craniomaxillofacial surgery and implant dentistry. The current concepts and their potential uses in these fields, together with future perspectives, will also be discussed.