Clinical outcomes of 3D printing individualized titanium mesh for severe alveolar bone defects: a retrospective series

doi:10.12337/zgkqzzxzz.2025.02.006

Abstract

Abstract: Objective To analyze the clinical outcomes and accuracy of 3D printing individualized titanium mesh (3D-PITM) in the treatment of severe alveolar bone defects. Methods This study involved 30 patients who underwent 3D-PITM supported guided bone regeneration (3D-PITMs GBR) at the Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University starting in February 2020. All patients signed informed consent and underwent surgery followed by regular postoperative follow-up. Individualized titanium meshes were fabricated using 3D printing technology, with preoperative virtual design and planning. Patients were followed for 6 to 8 months postoperatively, and clinical outcomes, as well as two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) imaging data, were collected and analyzed. Results Among the 30 patients, 4 experienced titanium mesh exposure, yielding an incidence rate of 13.33% (95% CI: 4.30%~22.36%). However, none of the patients experienced postoperative infections. During the 6-to 8-month follow-up period, implant sites achieved satisfactory bone augmentation in both horizontal and vertical dimensions. Imaging measurements revealed significant increases in alveolar bone width and height at 6 to 8 months postoperatively compared to preoperative values (P<0.05). Postoperative bone augmentation volume also demonstrated significant improvement (P<0.05). Furthermore, there were no statistically significant differences in alveolar bone changes between preoperative virtual planning and postoperative measurements (immediate and at 6 to 8 months) , indicating that 3D-PITM provides predictable bone augmentation outcomes. Conclusion 3D printing individualized titanium mesh effectively supports bone regeneration, achieves a high degree of matching with the defect site, and ensures the stability and effectiveness of newly formed bone. The 3D-PITM technique demonstrates high precision in restoring severe alveolar bone defects. Although complications such as titanium mesh exposure may occur, appropriate management can prevent the adverse impact on subsequent restoration outcomes. 3D-PITM is clinically valuable for restoring complex alveolar bone defects, providing reliable postoperative predictions and optimizing surgical planning.

Key words: 3D printing individualized titanium mesh, Bone defect, Guided bone regeneration, Bone augmentation

Xiong Zhenjie, Wei Yongxiang, Liu Qian, Chen Yaxin, Guo Xueqi, Ji Ruotong, Su Hanfu, Zou Yaokun, Wang Liping. Clinical outcomes of 3D printing individualized titanium mesh for severe alveolar bone defects: a retrospective series[J]. Chinese Journal of Oral Implantology, 2025, 30(1): 27-34.

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