title: Biomaterials in the Reconstruction of the Oral and Maxillofacial Region.
abstract: Reconstruction of maxillofacial bones has proven to be complex due to the aesthetic requirements and functional demands of the jaw. Although autogenous bone grafts and a wide range of biomaterials are routinely used for facial bone reconstruction, these methods are associated with a number of drawbacks, including the limited availability of autogenous grafts and the morbidity associated with bone graft harvesting, whilst biomaterials are also linked with a high failure rate. These limitations have inspired the search for innovative techniques for bone bioengineering and the development of more reliable biomaterials. Tissue engineering approaches yield powerful tools for long-term satisfying results enabling customized reconstruction and the support of natural healing processes. There is no doubt that further advances in tissue engineering are essential to achieve reliable and satisfactory clinical outcomes for patients. This chapter will highlight the clinical application of biomaterials and provide an overview of the current scientific concepts in the field.
authors.affiliation: The University of Glasgow Dental Hospital and School, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: Ashraf
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ayoub
authors.forename: Randa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Al-Fotawei
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018786:Bone Substitutes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016025:Bone Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D002516:Ceramics; D003722:Dental Alloys / Q000737:chemistry; D005147:Facial Bones / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D045164:Mesenchymal Stem Cell Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000637:transplantation; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012886:Skull / Q000601:surgery*; D023822:Tissue Engineering / Q000379:methods; D014025:Titanium / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; C022107:Bioglass; D019485:Bone Morphogenetic Proteins; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D003722:Dental Alloys; D014025:Titanium