[Three-dimensional printing and oral medicine]

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Dental Technology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Three-dimensional printing (3DP) technology has undergone 30 years of development, achieving significant progress.
• Clinical applications of 3DP include models and surgical guides.
• Advancements in 3DP are poised to impact various fields, including oral medicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the progress and clinical applications of three-dimensional printing in medicine.
• To discuss the future potential of 3DP in oral medicine, including metal prosthetics and bioprinting.
• To highlight the need for dentists to adapt to digital medicine advancements.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on three-dimensional printing technology and its applications.
• Analysis of current clinical uses and future research directions for 3DP in dentistry.
• Discussion of the implications of 3DP for clinical practice, education, and research in oral medicine.

Main Results:

• Models and surgical guides produced by 3DP are already in clinical use.
• 3D printing of titanium prosthetics and dental crowns is expected with further research.
• Three-dimensional bioprinting and biomaterials require additional investigation.

Conclusions:

• Three-dimensional printing presents significant opportunities for advancing oral medicine.
• The technology is expected to transform clinical workflows, teaching methodologies, and research approaches.
• Dentists must embrace multidisciplinary knowledge and understand new technologies to navigate the era of digital medicine.