Additive Manufacturing: A 3-Dimensional Approach in Periodontics

Additive manufacturing technology or 3-dimensional printing has been used since ages in various fields including medical. Their addition to dentistry is recent and has tried to revolutionize the field. It is being used in various fields of dentistry like endodontics, prosthodontics, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery and recently in periodontics and Implantology. With introduction of recent “layer-by-layer” additive technology, their use in periodontal field has changed its treatment planning. It is use in preparation of customized scaffold with or without stem cell therapy, ridge augmentation, sinus lift and guided implant surgery, implant fixtures, education models, drug technology and many more. This review has tried to explain the various applications of the additive manufacturing in the field of periodontics with recent evidences. This paper highlights the role of 3-dimensional printing which can change the future of periodontal management.