3D Printing in Maxillofacial Tissue Regeneration: A Review

Three-dimensional bioprinting has changed tissue engineering in dentistry. It aids in creating precise tissue structures. This review focused on the developments in three- bioprinting for dental and maxillofacial tissue engineering.

This review examined previously published studies on bioprinting techniques used in dental and maxillofacial tissue engineering. Particular attention was given to the composition of bioinks, the types of cells employed, and the printing strategies used to fabricate tissue constructs. In addition, the available studies were evaluated to identify successful outcomes, existing limitations, and the major challenges associated with translating three-dimensional bioprinting into clinical practice.

The findings highlight several commonly used bioinks, including gelatin methacrylate (GelMA), alginate, and collagen. These biomaterials are often combined with stem cells such as dental pulp stem cells and mesenchymal stem cells to support tissue regeneration. Recent advances in bioprinting techniques, particularly extrusion-based and inkjet printing, have enabled the fabrication of constructs with potential applications in pulp–dentin regeneration, alveolar bone repair, and oral mucosal reconstruction. Three-dimensional bioprinting allows the generation of highly precise tissue structures that more closely mimic the architecture of native tissues.

Three-dimensional bioprinting shows considerable promise for future therapeutic applications in dentistry and maxillofacial reconstruction. This technology provides the ability to fabricate tissue constructs that replicate the structural and biological characteristics of native tissues

Continued research is required to optimize bioink formulations, improve printing accuracy, and facilitate the translation of three-dimensional bioprinting technologies into clinical practice for dental and maxillofacial tissue regeneration.