Advances in 3D Printing for Periodontal Regeneration: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing and bioprinting are emerging as advanced tools for periodontal regeneration, enabling patient-specific scaffolds and precise tissue engineering. The periodontium comprising alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, cementum, and gingiva has a complex architecture that makes complete regeneration challenging. Bioprinting strategies allow controlled placement of cells, biomaterials, and growth factors, closely mimicking the native periodontal environment. Advances in 3D bioprinting enable precise spatial control of cells, biomaterials, and bioactive molecules, allowing the fabrication of scaffolds that closely mimic the native periodontal microenvironment. This review highlights bioprinting techniques, bioink formulations, and its applications for alveolar bone, periodontal ligament, and gingival regeneration. By enabling functional and spatially organized tissue regeneration, 3D bioprinting represents a promising shift from conventional reparative therapies toward true biological and clinically relevant periodontal regeneration.