The future of maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation is expected to be driven by the convergence of advanced biomaterials

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the future work of the source papers, classified as general, drawn from work published between 2025 and 2026, spanning 5 journals. Those papers have been cited 5 times in total.

Supporting evidence — 5 representative gaps

• Bioglass 45S5 in dentistry: Current evidence, clinical applications and future perspectives (Review) (2026) · World Academy of Sciences Journal · doi

  The future of Bioglass 45S5 in dentistry is likely to be shaped by several converging developments. Additive manufac‑ turing (3D printing) of personalized 45S5‑polymer scaffolds tailored to individual anatomical defects is advancing rapidly from proof‑of‑concept to clinical feasibility, with early case series reporting successful integration in mandibular defect reconstruction (49,50). In parallel, the integration of 3D bioprinting with organoid culture technology holds potential for constructing more physiologically faithful tissue models that better replicate the complex cell‑matrix interactions of oral tissues; recent advances in this domain may inform future scaffold design strategies for dental regeneration (51). The integration of growth factors, including recombinant human BMP‑2, platelet‑derived growth factor‑BB and enamel matrix derivative, into 45S5 mesoporous carriers may enable combi‑ natorial regenerative strategies with synergistic effects that surpass those of individual agents (52). Nano‑scale 45S5 formulations are opening new frontiers in preventive and restorative dentistry. Nano‑45S5‑containing composites, adhesives and glass ionomers that actively remin‑ eralize the tooth‑restoration interface may fundamentally alter secondary caries management and improve restoration longevity. Similarly, smart delivery systems exploiting the pH‑responsive dissolution of 45S5, releasing therapeutic ions selectively in response to acidic cariogenic challenge, represent a promising direction for autonomous preventive materials (53). In regenerative endodontics, 45S5‑based scaffolds supporting dental pulp stem cell (DPSC) homing, proliferation and differentiation may enable biological pulp regeneration in immature teeth with necrotic pulps, providing an alternative to apexification procedures. Since the isolation and character‑ ization of postnatal human DPSCs (54), preliminary studies have shown that these cells cultured on BG scaffolds undergo odontogenic differentiation and form mineralized matrices both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, the integration of antibacterial ion‑doped 45S5 formulations into implant surfaces and regenerative membranes may address the unmet clinical need for infec‑ tion‑resistant biomaterials in peri‑implantitis and post‑surgical infection management, representing one of the most impactful near‑term translational opportunities.

  generalfuture work
  Keywords: integration scaffolds regenerative future dentistry individual clinical cell matrix strategies dental regeneration growth human enable
• Evolution of Maxillofacial Prosthetic Materials: Conventional, Digital, and Nanotechnology Perspectives (2026) · AlQalam Journal of Medical and Applied Sciences · doi

  The future of maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation is expected to be driven by the convergence of advanced biomaterials, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence. Recent developments in nanotechnology-modified silicone elastomers have demonstrated improved mechanical strength, color stability, and antimicrobial performance; however, further long-term clinical investigations are required to validate their behavior under functional oral and environmental conditions. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms are increasingly being explored for automated facial analysis, defect reconstruction, and prosthesis design optimization, which may significantly reduce operator dependency and improve reproducibility. In parallel, fully digital workflows combining three-dimensional (3D) facial scanning, computer-aided design/computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM), and additive manufacturing technologies are expected to become the standard approach in complex maxillofacial rehabilitation. Emerging concepts such as smart biomaterials and stimuli-responsive polymers may offer dynamic adaptation to temperature, light, and mechanical stress, improving prosthesis longevity and patient comfort. Furthermore, 4D printing technology, which enables time-dependent shape transformation, represents a promising direction for personalized prosthetic design. Copyright Author (s) 2026. Distributed under Creative Commons CC-BY 4.0 Received: 22-05-2026 - Accepted: 19-07-2026 - Published: 25-07-2026 2221 Alqalam Journal of Medical and Applied Sciences. 2026;9(7):2215-2223 https://doi.org/10.54361/ajmas.269754 Despite these advancements, challenges remain related to material standardization, cost-effectiveness, regulatory approval, and long-term biocompatibility of novel nanocomposites. Addressing these limitations will be essential before widespread clinical translation can be achieved

  generalfuture work
  Keywords: design maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation expected biomaterials digital technologies artificial intelligence mechanical long term clinical facial
• Challenges and opportunities in generating microvasculature using bioprinting techniques (2026) · npj Biomedical Innovations · doi

  Fig. 4 | Components of a bio-3D printer. a Bio-3D printer hardware. Adapted under the Creative Commons CC BY license from42. b Control unit. Fig. 5 | Fabrication of cellular constructs using a bio-3D printer. A a Schematic diagram of tubular tissue conversion into a patch. b Cellular patch. Reproduced with permission from43. Copyright 2018, Elsevier. B a Design data of a trachea-like tube model. b Multi-layered trachea-like construct. Reproduced with permission from44. Copyright 2019, John Wiley and Sons. C a Design data of an articular surface. b Articular surface construct. Adapted under the Creative Commons CC BY license from45. D a Design data of a loop-type structure. b Loop-type construct. preclinical studies showed that the bio-3D conduit promoted superior nerve regeneration, as evidenced by increased numbers of myelinated axons, enhanced Schwann cell expression, and consistent nerve bridging compared with conventional silicone conduits46. These findings suggest a promising therapeutic strategy for neurological diseases. Despite this potential, the technical complexity and high operational cost of bio-3D printers may limit their widespread adoption compared with other bioprinting technologies. In particular, research on the construction of functional microvascular structures within artificial tissues remains limited. Nevertheless, this Perspective aims to outline potential strategies and future directions for scaffold-free microvascular construction by optimizing key parameters, such as spheroid composition and structural design, based on existing studies of vascularized tissues. Design of spheroids and structures for construction of micro- vascularized tissues One strategy involves fabricating multicellular spheroids by combining ECs with organ-specific cells to engineer target constructs35,38,39. Itoh et al. utilized spheroids composed of ECs, SMCs, and fibroblasts to construct tubular structures with an inner diameter of 1.5 mm, in which self-organized vessel- npj Biomedical Innovations | (2026) 3:45 5 https://doi.org/10.1038/s44385-026-00100-x

  generalfuture work
  Keywords: design construct printer construction structures tissues spheroids adapted creative commons license cellular constructs tubular patch
• Reimagining Maxillofacial Reconstruction: Transformative Advances in 3D Printing and Patient-Specific Implant Design (2026) · Trends in Biomaterials and Artificial Organs · doi

  3D printing technology and custom implants could really change the game in maxillofacial reconstruction. Biocompatible materials combined with advanced production methods, along with patient-specific anatomy, allows us to produce precise, aesthetically pleasing end products that address the individual needs of each patient [140]. Bio-printing and tissue engineering Bioprinting and Tissue Engineering for Global Bioprinting and Cre- ation of Patient Specific Living Tissues for the Reconstruction of Max- illofacial Structures. The bioprinting (3D printing) process involves the layering of bioinks; suspension of cells, growth factors and biomaterials in generating complex tissue constructs that mimic the structure of soft tissues, cartilage and bone [141]. This versatile method enables precise anatomical customization producing superior functional and aesthetic results. Scaffolds are also created to cause cells to divide and regenerate in tissue engineering and will eventually become part of the patient’s own tissues [142]. In particular, these technologies will be suited for the repair of maxillofacial tumor resections, trauma injuries, and congenital anomalies. Bioprinting allows for the fusion of biological and engineer- 297 S. Bag, S.K. Sen, K. Ganguly, D. Mandal / Trends Biomater. Artif. Organs, 40(3), 291-301 (2026) ing principles to construct normal anatomical structures and concur- rently interconnect those structures. The use of bioprinting may also produce lower rejection rates, faster healing, and longer-term regenera- tion than conventional grafts or synthetic implants currently utilized. Bioprinting and tissue engineering are in early stages of development, with continued advances in these techniques placing the future of per- sonalized regenerative medicine at the forefront of maxillofacial sur- gery [143]. AI and machine learning in 3D implant design The process of implant design continues to develop rapidly with ad- vances in AI and ML technologies, which allow for the production of customized manufacturing solutions for each patient through 3D print- ing technology. These Data and Image-based (DI) implants are made using imaging (CT/MRI scans) of the patient. These data enable tai- lored implants that fit volumetrically [144]. Implant dimension, material selection, and mechanical properties can be optimized to guarantee en- hanced durability and performance with ML methods. Other features are the reduction of development time and human error in automated design processes. It applies predictive analytics powered by AI for pre- dicting surgical outcome to guide clinicians in making the best possible decision [145]. The AI software can also enhance the quality control by flagging design errors before production. Overall, integrating AI and ML into 3D implant design results in better outcomes for individual patients and more efficient design processes-such as models developed in-house for each patient. They also create a truly personalized way to develop surgical device [146].

  generalfuture work
  Keywords: patient bioprinting design tissue implants engineering implant printing maxillofacial production tissues structures technology reconstruction specific
• 3D Printing in Nasal Reconstruction: Application-Based Evidence on What Works, When, and Why (2025) · Biomedicines · cited 5× · doi

  Bioprinting is emerging as a promising technique in nasal reconstruction, integrating polymers, metals, and bioactive materials to enhance 3D-printing capabilities. However, despite technical success, bioprinting has not yet demonstrated consistent improvements in Level 1 outcomes such as patient satisfaction or revision rates, which are the ultimate benchmarks for clinical adoption. Bio-inks containing autologous cells are being developed for nasal tissue regeneration, though vascularization remains a major challenge for sustaining larger constructs and preventing implant failure—a key factor limiting Level 1 outcome improvements. Recent studies using chondrocyte-laden hydrogel as a 3D printing material successfully produced engineered nasal cartilage constructs with molecular, biochemical, and histological proper- ties similar to native cartilage [61,62], but human clinical validation demonstrating reduced revision rates or superior functional outcomes is still lacking. Advancements in virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) now allow for interactive preoperative planning, potentially improving complex nasal reconstructions. AI integration may further contribute to 3D-printed model precision, but its clinical value ulti- mately depends on whether this precision translates to measurable Level 1 improvements in patient satisfaction or reduced revision surgeries. Future developments in facial move- ment analysis and 3D-printing technology may enable the creation of dynamic prostheses, allowing for more adaptive and individualized outcomes [83]. Despite these advancements, several challenges remain, including high technological costs, radiation exposure concerns, and AI’s predictive limitations. Continued research in bioprinting, computational modeling, and materials science is essential to fully realize 3D Biomedicines 2025, 13, 1434 26 of 32 printing’s potential, but future efforts must prioritize demonstrating clear and consistent improvements in Level 1 outcomes—namely, surpassing the 80% patient satisfaction bench- mark and reducing revision rates below 15%—to justify broad clinical implementation. These future developments in 3D printing for nasal reconstruction can be categorized according to our hierarchical framework: Level 3 advancements (material science and bioprinting techniques) enable Level 2 improvements (surgical precision and reduced operative time), but the ultimate goal is achieving Level 1 benefits (improved patient satisfaction, reduced revision rates, and better functional outcomes). To reinforce: patient satisfaction and revision rates are the key Level 1 problems we are aiming to solve. Future research must explicitly track whether emerging technologies mean- ingfully impact these top-level outcomes, not just technical or surgical improvements. The translation of emerging technologies into clinical practice requires careful consideration of their impact across all three levels, with particular emphasis on measurable improvements in Level 1 clinical outcomes to drive patient-centered innovation.

  generalfuture work
  Keywords: level improvements outcomes patient revision clinical nasal printing satisfaction rates bioprinting reduced future emerging advancements

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