Regenerative Medicine Technologies to Treat Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Defects

Abstract

Additive manufacturing (AM) is the automated production of three-dimensional (3D) structures through successive layer-by-layer deposition of materials directed by computer-aided-design (CAD) software. While current clinical procedures that aim to reconstruct hard and soft tissue defects resulting from periodontal disease, congenital or acquired pathology, and maxillofacial trauma often utilize mass-produced biomaterials created for a variety of surgical indications, AM represents a paradigm shift in manufacturing at the individual patient level. Computer-aided systems employ algorithms to design customized, image-based scaffolds with high external shape complexity and spatial patterning of internal architecture guided by topology optimization. 3D bioprinting and surface modification techniques further enhance scaffold functionalization and osteogenic potential through the incorporation of viable cells, bioactive molecules, biomimetic materials and vectors for transgene expression within the layered architecture. These computational design features enable fabrication of tissue engineering constructs with highly tailored mechanical, structural, and biochemical properties for bone. This review examines key properties of scaffold design, bioresorbable bone scaffolds produced by AM processes, and clinical applications of these regenerative technologies. AM is transforming the field of personalized dental medicine and has great potential to improve regenerative outcomes in patient care.

Polymeric Scaffolds for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Regenerative Medicine

“…The ideal polymer for tissue engineering should be (1) mechanically stable, (2) biocompatible and bioactive, and (3) biodegradable (Figure 1). Recent advances in biomaterials and manufacturing techniques have enabled the development of various types of materials including natural and synthetic polymeric scaffolding materials for clinical applications for the repair and regeneration of various deficiencies and deformities in DOC structures [2]. With a focus on understanding the inherent properties of a biomaterial at the biological interface, various tissue engineering strategies and surgical therapies have been developed to be translated into the clinical arena in order to successfully restore both tissue morphology and function.…”

“…An ideal polymer matrix must be biocompatible, biodegradable, present mechanical strength, bioactive, and fit the dynamic environment that living organisms have. Many potential applications of smart hydrogels along with 3D/4D printing exist in craniofacial and tissue regeneration leading, for instance, the self-assembling, self-memory material, self-repair, controlled release of drugs and biomolecules, of 3D polymeric matrices, which may offer a pivotal advantage in the development of in vitro tissue and organs [2].…”

3D-Printed, Dual Crosslinked and Sterile Aerogel Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

“…Alginate bioinks are widely used to obtain three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds through different 3D-printing technologies because of their low toxicity and easy/fast crosslinking ability. 3D-printing is a disruptive and precise technology for the processing of BTE scaffolds with patient-specific shapes using a computer-aided design (CAD) [ 9 , 10 ]. 3D- printing is used to deposit living and non-living materials in a predesigned 2D or 3D CAD pattern using layer-by-layer manner to fabricate bioengineered structures for regenerative medicine applications [ 11 ].…”

Redox signaling induces laminin receptor ribosomal protein-SA expression to improve cell adhesion following radiofrequency glow discharge treatments

“…Nonetheless, dentistry has very effectively utilized ceramics, metal, polymers, and their combinations as restorations, prostheses, or implants that are integral to current clinical care. Recent technologies such as digital impressions, high-resolution cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), subtractive, and additive 3D printing have accelerated sophistication in device design and reduced production timelines enabling chair-side fabrication 19 . These advances with custom-fabricated biomaterial devices further emphasize the need to explore practical, in-office disinfection techniques.…”