Could 3D printing be the future for oral soft tissue regeneration?

• DOI: 10.1016/j.bprint.2020.e00100
• Publication Date: 2020-09-15T06:52:26Z
• Authors: Dobrila Nesic; Stéphane Durual; Laurine Marger; Mustapha Mekki; Irena Sailer; Susanne S. Scherrer
• Keywords: Biomaterial; Oral mucosa

Oral soft tissue defects are a frequently encountered problem in dental praxis. Tooth loss, tooth root or implant recessions, infections trauma require reconstruction. The autologous graft remains the gold standard for gingiva and oral mucosa augmentation. However, prolonged pain, limited amount of harvested tissue, increased risk infection have prompted search off-shelf alternatives. Several acellularized dermal matrices been studied without satisfactory results. A newly developed collagen-based sponge is currently clinical studies long term evaluation. In these approaches however, matrix needs to be tailored chair-side each specific defect. 3D printing technology represents promising solution as it offers precise production an individualized based on defined shape inner structure via computer-aided design using biomaterial choice. Combined with smart biocompatible polymers (bioinks) that can co-printed cells architectural design, more natural-like tissues engineered. More natural will find application regenerative medicine, offer relevant organotypic cultures basic research provide testing platforms drugs chemical compounds. Tissue-engineered gingival equivalents comprising epithelial connective layers developed. applied skin regeneration formation vascular channels. Combining gained knowledge from may valuable cues how choose best approach create printed patient-tailored achieve functionally esthetically satisfying patient.