Alveolar Ridge Augmentation Using 3D Printed Bioceramic Block With Osteoinductivity

This study aims to develop a personalized bioceramic block with osteoinductivity using 3D printing and biomimetic coating techniques, and investigate its effects on alveolar ridge augmentation. Semi-saddle bone defects were prepared in beagles’ mandible simultaneously with tooth extraction. After three months’ natural healing, alveolar ridge augmentation was performed. The personalized biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) bone blocks were prepared based on CBCT scans to match the defect morphology. BCP bone blocks were fabricated via 3D printing, followed by biomimetic calcium phosphate coating to incorporate the bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2 inc. BCP). Bone defects were randomly filled with one of four graft materials: rhBMP-2 inc. BCP bone blocks, BCP bone blocks, BCP granules, and autogenous bone blocks (N=6). Bone grafts were fixed with retention pins and covered with collagen membranes. CBCT scans were performed immediately and 8 weeks postoperation. Histomorphometric analysis was conducted using undecalcified slicing and McNeal's staining. CBCT showed that bone augmentation in the autogenous and rhBMP-2 inc. BCP groups was significantly greater than that in the BCP bone block and BCP granule groups. Histological results revealed extensive new bone formation in the rhBMP-2 inc. BCP group, while new bone in the BCP bone block group was confined to the contact area with native bone. Moreover, the rhBMP-2 inc. BCP group exhibited the highest bone volume density, indicating superior bone regeneration. Digital guided bone regeneration using BMP-2 inc. BCP block could be a promising method for alveolar ridge augmentation.