3D Printing Role in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Current and Future Trend- Juniper Publishers
JUNIPER PUBLISHERS-OPEN ACCESS JOURNAL OF DENTISTRY & ORAL HEALTH Abstract The application of three-dimensional (3D) printing enables virtual simulation surgery with tremendous details. Data is usually obtained from detailed computed tomography (CT) scan and the creation of material objects from digital images by depositing layers into 3D structures. That can be used for training, education, surgical planning and prosthetic reconstruction. We report on two patients with complex reconstructive option in maxillofacial surgery where 3D technology was utilized to analyze the tumor size, location, and extension more precisely which drastically aids in better preoperative planning Another case was for fabrication of custom 3D pure titanium TMJ joint for reconstruction with optimal fit and function. Keywords: 3D Printing; Personalized medicine; Personalized surgery; Virtual surgery; Customized prosthesis; Medical models; Custom TMJ; Titanium TMJ implant; Scleroderma