Vertical Bone Augmentation Using Three-dimensionally Printed Cap in the Rat Calvarial Partial Defect.

Background/Aim: Lost alveolar bone is commonly restored by distraction osteogenesis or bone blocks for substantial vertical bone augmentation (VBA), that is applied in conjunction with a barrier system. This study was performed to determine whether volume control of a three-dimensional (3D) printed nylon cap in the rat calvarial partial thickness bone defect would induce qualitative and quantitative differences in vertical bone regeneration. Materials and Methods: A rat calvarial partial thickness bone defect was prepared and the 3D cap covered the defect to induce VBA, while the control group was left without cap placement. After six weeks the animals were sacrificed, and the calvaria were prepared for micro-CT (mu CT) and histology. Results: Quantitative mu CT results showed that our cap system has significant osteoconductive properties, and the histology slide revealed new bone filled inside the cap. Conclusion: The results clearly showed that this system was successful for VBA in a research animal model.