Current Advances in Oral and Craniofacial Tissue Engineering

Oral tissue engineering is a field that studies in vitro regeneration of soft and hard tissues in the oral cavity using innovative biomaterials and nanotechnology. The objective is to highlight current progress in tissue engineering for various dental tissues, emphasizing the role of materials and their specific applications.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 13 November 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Oral tissue engineering is a dynamic field that explores innovative approaches for in vitro regeneration of soft and hard tissues within the oral cavity. In this context, recent advancements have focused on utilizing cutting-edge biomaterials to replace lost or damaged human oral tissues. These groundbreaking discoveries in materials science and nanotechnology are revolutionizing the traditional approach to dentistry by designing innovative devices capable of enhancing the natural regeneration process.

The primary objective of this comprehensive book is to showcase the latest advancements in tissue engineering for diverse dental hard/soft tissues, including enamel, dentin, pulp, alveolar bone, periodontium, gum, and oral mucosa. By emphasizing the role of materials and their specific applications, the book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the field.

Enamel, the hardest tissue in the body, plays a crucial role in protecting teeth from decay and erosion. Researchers have developed biomaterials that mimic the natural composition and properties of enamel, allowing for the regeneration of damaged or lost enamel. These materials, such as calcium phosphate ceramics and hydroxyapatite, have shown promising results in terms of biocompatibility, wear resistance, and tooth-like aesthetics.

Dentin, the tissue that surrounds and supports the enamel, is also subject to damage and loss. Tissue engineering techniques have been developed to regenerate dentin, which is essential for maintaining tooth structure and function. Biomaterials such as collagen and polylactic acid have been used to create scaffolds that support dentin regeneration, promoting the formation of new dentin tissue and improving tooth strength.

Pulp, the soft tissue within the tooth that contains nerves and blood vessels, is vulnerable to injury and infection. Tissue engineering approaches have been developed to regenerate pulp, which can help preserve teeth and prevent tooth loss. Biomaterials such as stem cells and growth factors have been used to create engineered pulp tissues that mimic the structure and function of natural pulp.

Alveolar bone, the bone that supports the teeth and gums, is also susceptible to damage and loss. Tissue engineering techniques have been developed to regenerate alveolar bone, which is crucial for maintaining dental implants and supporting healthy teeth. Biomaterials such as bone morphogenetic proteins and hydroxyapatite have been used to create scaffolds that support bone regeneration and promote the formation of new bone tissue.

Periodontium, the tissue that surrounds and supports the teeth, is essential for maintaining oral health. Tissue engineering approaches have been developed to regenerate periodontium, which can help treat periodontal diseases and prevent tooth loss. Biomaterials such as collagen and polylactic acid have been used to create scaffolds that support periodontal tissue regeneration and promote the formation of new periodontal ligament tissue.

Gum, the soft tissue that covers the teeth and gums, is also important for oral health. Tissue engineering approaches have been developed to regenerate gum, which can help treat gum diseases and improve aesthetics. Biomaterials such as collagen and polylactic acid have been used to create scaffolds that support gum tissue regeneration and promote the formation of new gum tissue.

Oral mucosa, the thin layer of tissue that covers the oral cavity, is essential for protecting against infections and maintaining oral hygiene. Tissue engineering approaches have been developed to regenerate oral mucosa, which can help treat oral mucosal diseases and improve patient comfort. Biomaterials such as epithelial cells and growth factors have been used to create engineered oral mucosa tissues that mimic the structure and function of natural oral mucosa.

In conclusion, oral tissue engineering is a rapidly evolving field that holds great promise for the restoration and regeneration of damaged or lost oral tissues. By utilizing innovative biomaterials and advanced tissue engineering techniques, dentists and researchers are able to improve patient outcomes and enhance the quality of life. The future of oral tissue engineering looks bright, with continued advancements in materials science and nanotechnology leading to new and innovative solutions for dental hard/soft tissues.

Weight: 739g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138390911