Purpose
To review the primary additive manufacturing (AM) technologies used to fabricate metals in implant dentistry and compare them to conventional casting and subtractive methods.
Methods
The literature on metal AM technologies was reviewed, and the AM procedures and their current applications in implant dentistry were collated and described. Collection of published articles about metal AM in dental field data sources: MEDLINE, EMBASE, EBSCO, and Web of Science searched. All studies related to AM technology description, analysis, and evaluation of applications in implant dentistry, including AM titanium (Ti) dental implants, customized Ti mesh for bone grafting techniques, cobaltâchromium (CoâCr) frameworks for implant impression procedures, and CoâCr and Ti frameworks for dental implantâsupported prostheses were reviewed.
Results
Literature has demonstrated the potential of AM technologies to fabricate dental implants, rootâanalog implants, and functionally graded implants; as well as the ability to fabricate customized meshes for bone grafting procedures. Metal AM technologies provide a reliable method to manufacture frameworks for implant impression procedures. CoâCr and Ti AM frameworks for implantâsupported prostheses provide a clinically acceptable discrepancy at the implantâprostheses interface.
Conclusions
Additional clinical studies are required to assess the longâterm clinical performance, biological and mechanical complications, and prosthetic restoration capabilities of additively manufactured dental implants. Moreover, further studies are needed to evaluate their longâterm success and survival rates and biological and mechanical complications of AM implantâsupported prostheses.