3D-printed Bioresorbable Scaffold for Periodontal Repair

Tissue-engineered constructs have potential to induce bone-ligament complex regeneration to treat disease- or trauma-induced damage to periodontia (Ivanovski et al. 2014). Herein, we provide the first reported human case of treatment of a large periodontal osseous defect with a 3D-printed bioresorbable patient-specific polymer scaffold and signaling growth factor. The treated site remained intact for 12 mo following therapy. This report suggests that 3D-printed image-based scaffolds offer potential for periodontal reconstruction. Limitations gleaned from this case and opportunities for treatment of other bony defects are discussed.