3D Printing in Healthcare: Applications in Dental Surgical Guides, Anatomical Anesthesia Models, and Customized Medication

ALOBAID, LOLWAH OBAID SALIH; Alzahrani, Rashed Saleh; Alqahtani, Hussam Mohammed; Alsarf, Mohannad Mansour; Alshehri, Kholoud Ali Salem; Alsharari, Hammad Amshan; Alshammari, Hammad Dalli Shallal; ALSHAMMARI, FAHAD TURAYKHIM; Alshammari, Mohammed Alhumaidi; Alhwety, Safa Bsher; Mobarki, Mannan Haj Eisa; Saeed, Fatima Jaber; Alsalem, Tahani Salem; Almutiri, Turki Ayesh; Alanazi, Mohammed Redha

doi:10.21608/jmals.2025.453744

3D Printing in Healthcare: Applications in Dental Surgical Guides, Anatomical Anesthesia Models, and Customized Medication

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Northern Area Armed forces Hospital, Saudi Arabia

² Ministry of Defense, Saudi Arabia

³ Ministry of Defense/Inventory Control Department of Health Services, Saudi Arabia

⁴ king salman armed forces hospital , Saudi Arabia

⁵ Al-Kharj Armed forces Hospital, Saudi Arabia

⁶ prince sultan military medical city, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

⁷ Prince sultan medical military city, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

10.21608/jmals.2025.453744

Abstract

Background: Three-dimensional (3D) printing has changed healthcare. It allows personalized solutions, moving from mass-produced medical devices to individualized interventions. Its use in dentistry, anesthesiology, and pharmacology tackles issues related to precision, complexity, and patient compliance. This fosters collaboration across disciplines. Aim: This review summarizes evidence on 3D printing applications in dental surgical guides, anatomical anesthesia models, and customized medications. It highlights clinical benefits, challenges, and interdisciplinary connections.
Methods: A detailed analysis was conducted, focusing on technological principles, clinical outcomes, and economic impacts. Data were gathered from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Two tables compare printing techniques and clinical outcomes.
Results: 3D-printed dental guides achieve 90-95% accuracy and reduce surgery time by 20-30%. Anesthesia models improve simulation accuracy by 25-40% and lower procedural errors. Customized medications increase adherence by 20-30%, while polypills reduce errors from multiple medications. Integration across specialties can reduce errors by 35% in complex cases. Challenges include regulatory obstacles, material stability, and high initial costs.
Conclusions: 3D printing connects specialties and improves precision and efficiency in healthcare. Future advancements in AI, bioprinting, and tele-3D printing could lead to wider adoption. However, we need long-term studies and policies focused on equity.

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