Application of Rapid Prototyping Techniques in Customized Maxillary Implants for Mucormycosis-Induced Defects: A Comprehensive Review

During the COVID-19 pandemic, a serious fungal infection called Mucormycosis began affecting many patients, especially those with weakened immune systems recovering from prolonged COVID-19 treatment. This infection commonly damages the maxilla (upper jaw), often requiring surgical removal of infected bones such as the upper jaw, lower jaw, and cheekbone. As a result, patients face challenges in eating, speaking, and facial appearance. Rapid Prototyping (RP) offers a promising solution for these cases by enabling the development of patient-specific metallic implants. These customized implants can be designed from medical scan data and fabricated quickly to replace the removed bone structures. This review highlights the role of RP in the medical field, particularly in designing and producing implants for patients suffering from Mucormycosis. The use of RP improves treatment planning, enhances surgical precision, and reduces recovery time, offering hope for better rehabilitation outcomes. Key Words: Mucormycosis, Maxilla, Customized Implants, Rapid Prototyping, Medical Reconstruction, COVID-19.