The impact of 3D printing on oral and maxillofacial surgery

Abstract

3D printing technology has driven major medical, dental, engineering, and education innovations. In oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS), 3D printing technology has been implemented to improve precision in treatment planning, increase surgical predictability, reduce operation times, and lower overall costs. Furthermore, 3D printing has opened access to surgical training, facilitated patient-physician relationships, and generated greater surgical outcomes. The aim of this review is to summarize the impact of 3D printing technology in the field of OMFS. We discuss its many applications in the management of maxillofacial trauma and reconstruction, orthognathic surgery, maxillofacial prosthodontics, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reconstruction, dental implants (3D-printed surgical guides and 3D-printed dental implants), bone tissue engineering for maxillofacial regeneration, clinical education, and patient communication.