Multidimensional 3D-Printed Scaffolds for Ridge Preservation and Dental Implant Placement: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background: Regenerative medicine in dentistry involves tissue engineering applications suitable for the unique oral environment. In this regard, advances in computer-aided technology have facilitated the creation of 3D scaffolds using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). This review aimed to investigate whether 3D-printed scaffolds can be effectively used to achieve ridge preservation and/or predictable vertical and horizontal bone augmentation, ensuring successful outcomes for dental implant placement. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across six electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Ovid) to identify relevant studies according to specific eligibility criteria, following the PRISMA guidelines. Two independent reviewers screened and selected studies, performed data extraction, and assessed the risk of bias using the Cochrane tool for randomized clinical trials and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale for non-randomized clinical trials. Results: The initial search yielded 419 articles, which were subsequently screened to remove duplicates. After evaluating 293 articles based on title and abstract, 10 studies remained for full-text assessment. Ultimately, only three studies met all the pre-established eligibility criteria. Conclusions: The studies included in this systematic review showed that the use of multidimensional customized scaffolds appears to promote dental implant placement. Nevertheless, despite the positive reported effects, further well-designed randomized clinical trials are necessary to determine the special characteristics of the optimal 3D-customized scaffold.