Bionic principles in the technology of robotic bioprinting of tooth enamel in situ

Abstract

Loss of teeth leads to disruption of food processing, worsens the aesthetic appearance and generally, the health and quality of life of the individual. The major causes of diseases and tooth loss are damage to the enamel and caries. Limitations of current methods for treatment of enamel damage gave birth to the idea of growing biological equivalents of this tissue. At the same time, it became obvious that it is possible to regenerate the enamel only taking into account the laws of natural development of this tissue. The review focuses on mechanisms of natural amelogenesis, and then based on understanding of these mechanisms, analyzes a possibility of developing a technology for regeneration of enamel by means of in situ robotic 3D bioprinting of tissues. Such technologies might provide some serious benefits, for example, prolong the shelf life of dental biofillings to a lifetime; solve the problem of tightness between the new and old enamel and reduce the risk of developing secondary caries and other complications, etc. There is a reason to believe that the technology of in situ robotic 3D bioprinting will allow to restore not only tooth tissues, but also the whole tooth and largely replace the existing methods of dental prosthetics.