Role of 3-Dimensional Printing in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has been at the forefront of major innovations in medicine, dentistry, engineering, and education. It has also opened up access to surgical education, improved patient and physician relations, and improved surgical outcomes. In this review, we will look at the many applications of 3D printing in the fields of Maxillofacial Trauma and Reconstruction, Orthognathic Surgery, Maxillofacial Protoplast, Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Reconstruction, Dentistry, Bone Tissue Engineering for Maxillofacial Regeneration, Clinical Education, and Patient Communication. 3D printing was initially used to create custom prosthetic products and implants. Scientists were able to construct organs from patients’ own cells supported by a 3D printed scaffold. In the last two decades, advances in technology have ushered in a new age of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.