AHP method to determine the optimal technological variant for maxillofacial implant fabrication

Abstract

The paper describes different technologies for manufacturing maxillofacial implant. By using the AHP method the AM, the direct manufacturing technology SLM is the optimal process. Technological variants for obtaining a maxillofacial implant that replaces the right zygomatic bone and a part of maxilla, based on a real clinical case are presented. Starting from the possibility of processing the biocompatible metallic materials used in the oral and maxillofacial technique, it is possible to classify the technological process variants in procedures that use and do not use additive manufacturing technologies. The aim of this paper is to show how important it is to select the optimal technological process in obtaining a maxillofacial implant. It has been analyzed the technological processes of achieving the maxillofacial implant, both those which use the additive manufacturing technologies and those which do not use such technologies, highlighting not only the benefits but also their limits. Based on criteria such as: mechanical strength, porosity, roughness, accuracy, anchorage, time and cost, by using the AHP method, it is possible to choose the optimal technological process for achieving the maxillofacial implant.