THEROLE OF VIRTUAL DESIGN AND 3D PRINTING FOR RECONSTRUCTION:WORKING ALGORITHM AND ITS APPLICATIONS

Reconstruction of Maxillofacial defects following complex resection is common challenge encountered by many maxillofacial surgeons.The important objectives are to restore the normal anatomy and function with proper adaptation in these complex defects. The introduction ofcomputer aided design (CAD) and 3D printing technology has significantly facilitated greater predictability with improved efficiencies in surgical procedures and prosthetic reconstruction. This paper reviews the concept of virtual surgical planningand 3D technology in surgical proceduresand its broad clinical application in oral & maxillofacial surgery.