This special issue entitled “Soft and hard tissue regeneration” will cover both periodontal and implant therapies. Regenerative periodontal treatment goal is to restore functional periodontal support offering a valuable treatment alternative even for teeth with large periodontal destruction, which may be successfully treated and maintained in health for long periods. In most cases where teeth are extracted for periodontal reasons, implant therapy will demand large bone augmentation procedures. Lack of sufficient bone volume may prevent placement of dental implants. In extreme cases, large bone reconstruction is indispensable before implant placement can be performed. Although, most bone grafts are only able to fill and maintain a space, where bone regeneration can occur (“osseoconductive”), the ideal bone graft will also promote osseous regeneration (“osseoinductive”). Several bone augmentation procedures have been described, each, presenting advantages and shortcomings. Success of bone augmentation procedures depends on the presence of bone forming cells, primary wound closure over the augmented area, space creation and maintenance where bone can grow and proper angiogenesis of the grafted area. Factors that influence the choice of the surgical technique are the estimated duration of surgical procedure, its complexity, cost, total estimated length of procedure until the final rehabilitations may be installed and the surgeons’ experience. This special issue will have a definite clinical orientation, and be entirely dedicated to soft and hard tissue regenerative treatment alternatives, both in periodontal and implant therapy, discussing their rationale, indications and clinical procedures. Internationally renowned leading researchers and clinicians will contribute with articles in their field of expertize.

This special issue entitled “Soft and hard tissue regeneration” will cover both periodontal and implant therapies. Regenerative periodontal treatment goal is to restore functional periodontal support offering a valuable treatment alternative even for teeth with large periodontal destruction, which may be successfully treated and maintained in health for long periods. In most cases where teeth are extracted for periodontal reasons, implant therapy will demand large bone augmentation procedures. Lack of sufficient bone volume may prevent placement of dental implants. In extreme cases, large bone reconstruction is indispensable before implant placement can be performed. Although, most bone grafts are only able to fill and maintain a space, where bone regeneration can occur (“osseoconductive”), the ideal bone graft will also promote osseous regeneration (“osseoinductive”). Several bone augmentation procedures have been described, each, presenting advantages and shortcomings. Success of bone augmentation procedures depends on the presence of bone forming cells, primary wound closure over the augmented area, space creation and maintenance where bone can grow and proper angiogenesis of the grafted area. Factors that influence the choice of the surgical technique are the estimated duration of surgical procedure, its complexity, cost, total estimated length of procedure until the final rehabilitations may be installed and the surgeons' experience. This special issue will have a definite clinical orientation, and be entirely dedicated to soft and hard tissue regenerative treatment alternatives, both in periodontal and implant therapy, discussing their rationale, indications and clinical procedures. Internationally renowned leading researchers and clinicians will contribute with articles in their field of expertize.

Nanotechnology is an emerging and exciting area in the field of implants. Numerous promising developments have been elucidated regarding the use of nanotechnology to regenerate tissues. This important book highlights the potential of nanophase materials to improve hard and soft tissue applications. In all cases, increased tissue regeneration has been observed for bone, cartilage, vascular, bladder, and central/peripheral nervous system tissues.

This book provides a thorough, up-to-date description of the scientific basis and concepts of tissue engineering in the oral and maxillofacial region. The opening chapters present an introduction to tissue engineering, describe the roles of biomaterials and stem cells, discuss the use of growth factors, and examine potential adverse reactions. The challenges of soft and hard tissue engineering for oral and maxillofacial reconstruction are then considered in detail. It is explained what has been achieved to date, and potential future perspectives are explored. The importance and the verification of adequate vascularization are discussed, and a further focus is the use of 3D printing, both in the planning and production of scaffolds and in the bioprinting of cells and biomaterials. Information is also included on safety, efficacy, and regulatory aspects. Tissue Engineering in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery will be of interest to all researchers and practitioners who wish to learn more about the potential of tissue engineering to revolutionize practice in oral and maxillofacial surgery.

This book offers readers a valuable overview of recent advances in biomedical engineering, as applied to the modern dentistry. It begins by studying the biomaterials in dentistry, and materials used intraoperatively during oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures. Next, it considers the subjects in which biomedical engineers can be influential, such as 3-dimensional (3D) imaging, laser and photobiomodulation, surface modification of dental implants, and bioreactors. Hard and soft tissue engineerings in dentistry are discussed, and some specific and essential methods such as 3D-printing are elaborated. Presenting particular clinical functions of regenerative dentistry and tissue engineering in treatment of oral and maxillofacial soft tissues is the subject of a separate chapter. Challenges in the rehabilitation handling of large and localized oral and maxillofacial defects is a severe issue in dentistry, which are considered to understand how bioengineers help with treatment methods in this regard. Recent advances in nanodentistry is discussed followed by a chapter on the applications of stem cell-encapsulated hydrogel in dentistry.Periodontal regeneration is a challenging issue in dentistry, and thus, is going to be considered separately to understand the efforts and achievements of tissue engineers in this matter. Oral mucosa grafting is a practical approach in engineering and treatment of tissues in ophthalmology, which is the subject of another chapter. Microfluidic approaches became more popular in biomedical engineering during the last decade; hence, one chapter focuses on the advanced topic of microfluidics technologies using oral factors as saliva-based studies. Injectable gels in endodontics is a new theme in dentistry that bioengineering skills can advance its development, specifically by producing clinically safe and effective gels with regeneration and antibacterial properties. Engineered products often need to be tested in vivo before being clinical in dentistry; thus, one chapter is dedicated to reviewing applicable animal models in dental research. The last chapter covers the progress on the whole tooth bioengineering as a valuable and ultimate goal of many dental researchers. Offers readers an interdisciplinary approach that relates biomedical engineering and restorative dentistry Discusses recent technological achievements in engineering with applications in dentistry Provides useful tool to dental companies for future product planning, specifically to biomedical engineers engaged in dental research