Dimensional Accuracy in 3D Printed Medical Models: A Follow-Up Study on SLA and SLS Technology.

With the rise of new 3D printers, assessing accuracy is crucial for obtaining the best results in patient care. Previous studies have shown that the highest accuracy is achieved with SLS printing technology; however, SLA printing technology has made significant improvements in recent years. In this study, a realistic anatomical model of a mandible and skull, a cutting guide for mandibular osteotomy, and a splint for orthognathic surgery were replicated five times each using two different 3D printing technologies: SLA and SLS.

Axolotl mandible regeneration occurs through mechanical gap closure and a shared regenerative program with the limb.

The mandible plays an essential part in human life and, thus, defects in this structure can dramatically impair the quality of life in patients. Axolotls, unlike humans, are capable of regenerating their lower jaws; however, the underlying mechanisms and their similarities to those in limb regeneration are unknown. In this work, we used morphological, histological and transcriptomic approaches to analyze the regeneration of lateral resection defects in the axolotl mandible.

Poly(dl-lactide) Polymer Blended with Mineral Phases for Extrusion 3D Printing-Studies on Degradation and Biocompatibility.

A promising therapeutic option for the treatment of critical-size mandibular defects is the implantation of biodegradable, porous structures that are produced patient-specifically by using additive manufacturing techniques. In this work, degradable poly(DL-lactide) polymer (PDLLA) was blended with different mineral phases with the aim of buffering its acidic degradation products, which can cause inflammation and stimulate bone regeneration. Microparticles of CaCO, SrCO, tricalcium phosphates (α-TCP, β-TCP), or strontium-modified hydroxyapatite (SrHAp) were mixed with the polymer powder following processing the blends into scaffolds with the Arburg Plastic Freeforming 3D-printing method.

A cross-sectional study of the anatomy of the jaws of a central-European caucasian population using cone beam computer tomography as a prerequisite for designing pre-formed calcium phosphate cement scaffolds.

Purpose: This study aims to measure the cortical and cancellous bone thickness in the upper and lower jaws, serving as a data template for developing pre-defined calcium phosphate cement primary implant forms. These measurements are crucial for creating a biphasic scaffold.

Methods: Forty complete jaws were assessed for cortical bone shape and thickness using statistical analysis and specific software tools.

A single-centre retrospective 10-year experience of the rhombic 3D condylar fracture plate for open reduction and internal fixation of condylar neck and base fractures.

Fractures of the mandibular condyle account for a significant proportion of mandibular fractures. The specific functional loads require particular specifications for the implant design used for open reduction and internal fixation of such fractures. The clinical and radiographic outcomes in patients treated using a single rhombic 3D condylar fracture plate for open reduction and internal fixation at a single institution, and who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria, are presented.

Development of a test bench for biomechanical simulation-a preliminary study of mandibular forces.

The aim of this study is to develop a test bench, which integrates different complexity levels and enables in that way a flexible and dynamic testing for mid and long term intervals as well as testing of maximum loads till implant failure of different osteosynthesis systems on the mandible. For this purpose, an analysis of the state of the art regarding existing test benches was combined with interviews of clinical experts to acquire a list of requirements. Based on these requirements a design for a modular test bench was developed.

Alloplastic reconstruction of the mandible after subtotal mandibulectomy for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: An update of the method.

Background: Reconstruction of continuity defects following osteonecrosis in multimorbid patients is challenging. In all cases of the predescribed palliative treatment method for alloplastic mandible reconstruction, plate fractures were detected in follow-up. We hypothesized that a modification could avoid these fractures, leading to stable long-term results.

Probing real-world Central European population midfacial skeleton symmetry for maxillofacial surgery.

Objectives: Symmetry is essential for computer-aided surgical (CAS) procedures in oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). A critical step for successful CAS is mirroring the unaffected side to create a template for the virtual reconstruction of the injured anatomical structure. The aim was to identify specific anatomical landmarks of the midfacial skeleton, to evaluate the symmetry in a group of the real-world Central European population, and to use these landmarks to assess midfacial symmetry in CT scans.

A comparative analysis of 3D printed scaffolds consisting of poly(lactic--glycolic) acid and different bioactive mineral fillers: aspects of degradation and cytocompatibility.

Their excellent mechanical properties, degradability and suitability for processing by 3D printing technologies make the thermoplastic polylactic acid and its derivatives favourable candidates for biomaterial-based bone regeneration therapies. In this study, we investigated whether bioactive mineral fillers, which are known to promote bone healing based on their dissolution products, can be integrated into a poly(L-lactic--glycolic) acid (PLLA-PGA) matrix and how key characteristics of degradation and cytocompatibility are influenced. The polymer powder was mixed with particles of CaCO, SrCO, strontium-modified hydroxyapatite (SrHAp) or tricalcium phosphates (α-TCP, β-TCP) in a mass ratio of 90 : 10; the resulting composite materials have been successfully processed into scaffolds by the additive manufacturing method Arburg Plastic Freeforming (APF).

Dental Pulp Stem Cells for Salivary Gland Regeneration-Where Are We Today?

Xerostomia is the phenomenon of dry mouth and is mostly caused by hypofunction of the salivary glands. This hypofunction can be caused by tumors, head and neck irradiation, hormonal changes, inflammation or autoimmune disease such as Sjögren's syndrome. It is associated with a tremendous decrease in health-related quality of life due to impairment of articulation, ingestion and oral immune defenses.

Three-Dimensional Plotted Calcium Phosphate Scaffolds for Bone Defect Augmentation-A New Method for Regeneration.

For sinus grafting, different methods and materials are available. One possible shortcoming of particulate bone grafts is either overfilling or augmenting the planned implant area insufficiently. To overcome this risk and to determine the implant position prior augmentation, we present an approach using three-dimensional printed scaffolds.

Accuracy of full-guided vs. pilot-guided implant insertion - A prospective laboratory study in fifth-year dental students.

Background: Education of undergraduates in implant dentistry has been extended. In order to assess the correct implant position, the accuracy of implant insertion using templates for pilot-drill guided and full-guided implant insertion was examined in a laboratory set-up in a cohort of undergraduates.

Methods: After three-dimensional planning of the implant position in partially edentulous mandibular models, individual templates for the pilot-drill guided or full-guided implant insertion in the region of the first premolar were produced.

[Cleft lip and palate : One of the most frequent congenital malformations].

With a frequency of 1 per 500 live births, a cleft lip and palate is one of the most frequent congenital malformations. Untreated, it leads to disturbances in feeding, speech, hearing, tooth position and esthetics. A multifactorial genesis is assumed.

Cost minimization analysis of indication-specific osteosynthesis material in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Purpose: Following the introduction of the Regulation (EU) 2017/745 by the European Parliament, any bioactive substance or surgical implant introduced into the human body must be documented. The regulation requires any implant to be traced back to the manufacturer. Lot numbers need to be available for every single medical implant.

Enhancing Anticoagulation Monitoring and Therapy in Patients Undergoing Microvascular Reconstruction in Maxillofacial Surgery: A Prospective Observational Trial.

Background: In reconstructive surgery, loss of a microvascular free flap due to perfusion disorders, especially thrombosis, is a serious complication. In recent years, viscoelastic testing (VET) has become increasingly important in point-of-care (POC) anticoagulation monitoring. This paper describes a protocol for enhanced anticoagulation monitoring during maxillofacial flap surgery.

Socioeconomic disparities between oral cavity cancer patients in Germany.

Objective: In many countries the access to high quality medical service depends on socioeconomic factors. Therefore, these factors are associated with the treatment and prognosis of many diseases. In Germany health care is claimed to be independent from such factors due to obligatory health insurance and a well-developed medical infrastructure.

A Holistic Approach for the Identification of Success Factors in Secondary Cleft Osteoplasty.

Cleft lip and palate belong to the most frequent craniofacial anomalies. Secondary osteoplasty is usually performed between 7 and 11 years with the closure of the osseus defect by autologous bone. Due to widespread occurrence of the defect in conjunction with its social significance due to possible esthetic impairments, the outcome of treatment is of substantial interest.

Adapting the Pore Size of Individual, 3D-Printed CPC Scaffolds in Maxillofacial Surgery.

Three dimensional (3D) printing allows additive manufacturing of patient specific scaffolds with varying pore size and geometry. Such porous scaffolds, made of 3D-printable bone-like calcium phosphate cement (CPC), are suitable for bone augmentation due to their benefit for osteogenesis. Their pores allow blood-, bone- and stem cells to migrate, colonize and finally integrate into the adjacent tissue.

Toward Biofabrication of Resorbable Implants Consisting of a Calcium Phosphate Cement and Fibrin-A Characterization In Vitro and In Vivo.

Cleft alveolar bone defects can be treated potentially with tissue engineered bone grafts. Herein, we developed novel biphasic bone constructs consisting of two clinically certified materials, a calcium phosphate cement (CPC) and a fibrin gel that were biofabricated using 3D plotting. The fibrin gel was loaded with mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) derived from bone marrow.

3D Printing of Bone Grafts for Cleft Alveolar Osteoplasty - Evaluation in a Preclinical Model.

One of the most common hereditary craniofacial anomalies in humans are cleft lip and cleft alveolar bone with or without cleft palate. Current clinical practice, the augmentation of the persisting alveolar bone defect by using autologous bone grafts, has considerable disadvantages motivating to an intensive search for alternatives. We developed a novel therapy concept based on 3D printing of biodegradable calcium phosphate-based materials and integration of osteogenic cells allowing fabrication of patient-specific, tissue-engineered bone grafts.

The Influence of Thrust Force on the Vitality of Bone Chips Harvested for Autologous Augmentation during Dental Implantation.

Bone drill chips that are collected during implant site preparation can be reused as autologous bone-grafting material for alveolar ridge augmentation. This study characterized five market-leading implant drill sets regarding their geometric properties and ability to produce vital bone chips. The drill geometry of each tool of five commercial implant drill sets was characterized while using optical profile projector devices and SEM.

Pilot-drill guided vs. full-guided implant insertion in artificial mandibles-a prospective laboratory study in fifth-year dental students.

Background: As a growing field in dentistry, the practical education during the undergraduate curriculum in implant dentistry should be extended. Not only the theoretical background but also practical skills are crucial to place implants in patients. In order to determine the exact implant position, several positioning aids are available.

Biomechanical Evaluation of Mandibular Condyle Fracture Osteosynthesis Using the Rhombic Three-Dimensional Condylar Fracture Plate.

Purpose: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the biomechanical stability of osteosynthesis in mandibular condyle fractures using a newly designed rhombic 3-dimensional (3D) condylar fracture plate and compare it with that using standard two 4-hole miniplates and with that in nonfractured condyles.

Materials And Methods: Using 200 porcine mandibles, 3 different monocortical plating techniques were evaluated. The condyles were fractured along a defined line tangentially through the sigmoid notch and perpendicular to the posterior border.

Multidisciplinary oral rehabilitation of an adolescent suffering from juvenile Gorlin-Goltz syndrome - a case report.

Background: The Gorlin-Goltz syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by keratocystic odontogenic tumors in the jaws, multiple basal cell carcinomas and skeletal abnormities. Frequently, the manifestation of the syndrome occurs in the adolescent years.

Case Presentation: An 11-year-old boy was referred to our clinic due to the persistence of the lower deciduous molars.