3D-Printable Biopolymers for Socket Preservation Technique: Soft Tissues Response: A Pilot Randomised Clinical Study.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Surgery
• Tissue Engineering

Background:

• Tooth extraction often necessitates soft tissue management for optimal healing.
• 3D-printed biopolymers offer potential for guided tissue regeneration and wound closure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of 3D-printed biopolymers (poli-D-lactic acid and poli-ε caprolactone) compounded with osteoconductive materials for soft tissue closure after tooth extraction.
• To compare the healing outcomes of two different 3D-printed biopolymer formulations against an open-healing control group.

Main Methods:

• A parallel clinical study involving 39 patients, adhering to CONSORT guidelines.
• Patients received socket preservation with 3D-printed biopolymers (Test 1: poli-D-lactic acid with hydroxyapatite; Test 2: poli-ε caprolactone with β-tricalcium phosphate) or open healing (Control).
• Evaluation of soft tissue exposure and healing rates at baseline and 6 weeks post-extraction, stratified by site (anterior/posterior).

Main Results:

• No complications or dropouts were observed during the 6-week follow-up period.
• Both 3D-printed biopolymer groups (Test 1 and Test 2) demonstrated significantly better soft tissue healing in posterior extraction sites compared to the control group (p < 0.05).
• Anterior extraction sites showed complete socket closure within 4 weeks, with no significant differences between the groups.

Conclusions:

• 3D-printed biopolymers compounded with beta-tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite are effective for soft tissue closure after tooth extraction.
• These advanced biomaterials show promise in improving healing outcomes, particularly for posterior tooth sockets.