3D printing enables customized bone scaffolds for jaw reconstruction

Researchers at the University of Queensland (UQ) have successfully 3D printed patient-specific bone scaffolds made from biocompatible material to restore part of a man’s jawbone. This procedure was developed and tested as part of a clinical study led by Professor Saso Ivanovski from UQ’s Faculty of Dentistry.

The procedure uses resorbable scaffolds made of polycaprolactone (PCL), which are specially adapted to the patient’s anatomy.

Professor Saso Ivanovski from UQ’s School of Dentistry, who led the clinical trial, said: “In this case, the scaffold supported and encouraged new bone to grow in the jaw of a 46 year-old man, allowing a dental implant with a new tooth to be securely inserted. The bone scaffolds are custom designed for the patient, effectively regenerate jaw bone and are completely resorbable, so there is no need for additional surgery to remove them.”

The scaffolds were developed and manufactured at the University’s Oral Health Center, where nine other patients have been successfully treated to date.

Lead biomedical engineer Dr Reuben Staples said: “Our team is the first in Australia to locally manufacture university-developed 3D printed bone scaffold implants for dental reconstruction in human trials using our certified Quality Management System.”

“Because the medical grade synthetic polymer used is more cost effective than currently available non-resorbable metallic commercial alternatives, this is a significant step forward in how 3D printing can be used to create affordable, safe and effective bone implant solutions to reconstruct jawbones and teeth for people in need.”

The team’s next step is to expand the clinical trials to other regions, including Australia and Spain. The aim is to further optimize the design and improve the availability of this innovative technology for patients. The project thus demonstrates how 3D printing can advance personalized medicine.