3D Printing in customized dental implants: current concepts and clinical applications

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, also known as additive manufacturing (AM) is one of the most promising innovations in implant dentistry, that allows the production of patient-specific implants with higher accuracy, better anatomical adaptability, and improved clinical results. This digital workflow minimizes material waste, production time, and surgical complexity while enabling precise personalization. A variety of additive manufacturing techniques including selective laser melting (SLM), electron beam melting (EBM), direct metal laser sintering (DMLS), stereolithography (SLA), digital light processing (DLP) and Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) have significantly broadened the range of implant manufacturing. Titanium and titanium alloys continue to be the material of choice because of their superior mechanical properties, corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. Zirconia, polyether ether ketone (PEEK) and bioactive ceramics, however, are being increasingly investigated for specific therapeutic applications. This review summarizes the principles, digital processes, manufacturing technologies, biomaterials, clinical applications, benefits, drawbacks, and future prospects of 3D printing in personalized dental implants.