Tissue engineering in dentistry.
Advances in tissue engineering provide an increased level of understanding of the mechanical and chemical stimuli that regulate tissue responses. Oral tissue engineering can be applied to recreate missing osseous or dental structures or correct orofacial deformities, changing the patient's smile, midfacial height, and the soft tissue drape. Biomechanical principles can also be applied to tissue engineering to enhance the bone/tooth or bone/implant functionality and long-term stability. Advancements are also being achieved in the area of biomimetics that will allow the creation of new biologic replacements for missing oral structures. The opportunity for bioengineering to charter the course of tooth regeneration is an exciting prospect and will improve the quality of life for patients for decades to come.
Earthman
James C
JC
Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Biomedical Engineering, and Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, 916 Engineering Tower, Irvine, CA 92697-2575, USA. earthman@uci.edu
Sheets
Cherilyn G
CG
Paquette
Jacinthe M
JM
Kaminishi
Ronald M
RM
Nordland
W Peter
WP
Keim
Robert G
RG
Wu
Jean C
JC
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D003813:Dentistry / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods*