Sustainable sources of raw materials as substituting biomaterials for additive manufacturing of dental implants: a review

The increasing demand for dental implants and the necessity to develop sustainable biomaterials have increased interest in the additive manufacturing (AM) of dental implants. The dental implant industry has traditionally relied on materials such as metals and alloys for their mechanical properties and biocompatibility. However, the extraction and processing of these metals pose considerable environmental and ethical challenges. This review explores the emerging paradigm shift towards substituting traditional raw materials with sustainable biomaterials in the AM of dental implants. This review also briefs about the recent advancements in AM techniques and materials that enable the fabrication of dental implants using sustainable biomaterials. Using three dimensional (3D) printing technology allows for the precise customization of implants while minimizing waste. Additionally, biodegradable polymers and bio-ceramics have shown promise in supporting bone regeneration and reducing the ecological footprint of dental implant production. Despite numerous challenges, this field of study can fundamentally transform the dentistry sector by minimizing the impact of environmental effects related to manufacturing processes and improving the availability of implants for patients. Although the preliminary reported studies are promising, further research required to advance the progress toward clinical applications of sustainable biomaterials in fabrication of dental implant using AM.