3D printing, modelling and simulation for dental implant: A comprehensive review

The implementation of three-dimensional printing technology has revolutionised dentistry over the past decade. The desired object is scanned by a 3D scanner or built using computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) software. CAD designs of dental implants can be analysed by the finite element method (FEM). Finite element analysis (FEA) is done by discretising the geometrically developed model into smaller and simpler elements and analysing the 3D model using different boundary conditions on different nodes. Depending on the materials of choice, various printing methods are available, such as selective laser sintering (SLS), stereolithography, fused deposition modelling, and laminated object manufacturing. Dental implants are designed with the help of different biomaterials, such as polymers, metals, and ceramics. Clinicians should know the latest implant materials for successful implant therapy. This review article investigates 3D printing on various dental implants, designs, simulations, and limitations. The last part of the article discusses different properties of the implant materials used in the designs.