The osteogenic effect of 3D-printed bone grafting guides in PAOO: a retrospective cohort study.

Background: Periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO) effectively increases alveolar bone volume and broadens orthodontic treatment options. However, bone grafting during PAOO faces challenges such as graft displacement, membrane collapse, and insufficient coronal bone regeneration. This study aimed to evaluate whether 3D-printed digital bone grafting guides could improve graft stability and alveolar bone regeneration compared with conventional PAOO.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, 10 patients who underwent PAOO surgery were evaluated. Patients were divided equally into GBG (digital guided bone grafting) and Control groups (conventional PAOO). Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images and periodontal clinical parameters, including probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL), keratinized gingival width (KW), and gingival biotype, were assessed preoperatively (T0), immediately postoperatively (T1), and at 12 months follow-up (T2). Changes in alveolar bone morphology were analyzed using Mimics software, with data statistically compared using SPSS 25.0.

Results: Immediately postoperatively, the GBG group exhibited significantly greater vertical bone augmentation and horizontal bone augmentation in crown and mid-root areas compared to the control group ([Formula: see text] < 0.05). At the 12-months follow-up, GBG maintained significantly superior vertical bone regeneration and coronal horizontal bone volume, particularly in the coronal third of the alveolar bone ([Formula: see text] < 0.05). Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in KW compared to baseline ([Formula: see text] < 0.05), while PD and AL showed no significant intergroup differences.

Conclusions: The application of 3D-printed bone grafting guides significantly improves graft stability, reduces postoperative bone resorption, and enhances coronal alveolar bone regeneration after PAOO.