3D bioprinting in oral and craniomaxillofacial tissue regeneration: Progress, challenges, and future directions

Abstract Oral and craniomaxillofacial tissues are essential for maintaining oral functions, including respiration, mastication, swallowing, and speech. They also play a pivotal role in facial aesthetics and overall health. However, the intricate anatomy, co‐existence of diverse tissue types, and high demand for functional recovery make regeneration a challenging process. Traditional 3D printing technology is limited to fulfilling morphological requirements and cannot meet the complex demands of multi‐tissue regeneration and functional restoration in the oral and craniomaxillofacial regions. In contrast, 3D bioprinting technology enables the creation of biologically functional cell‐laden living scaffolds that are highly compatible with defect sites. This advanced approach effectively promotes post‐transplantation tissue integration and significantly enhances therapeutic outcomes. This review focuses on the utilization of 3D bioprinting in oral and craniomaxillofacial tissue regeneration. It highlights advancements in biomaterial application and printing technology, and current achievements and challenges in preclinical and clinical research, aiming to facilitate the translational and innovative applications of this technology in oral and craniomaxillofacial repair and reconstruction.