Harnessing stem cells and tissue engineering for oral and maxillofacial reconstruction—A mini review

Abstract

Oral and maxillofacial reconstruction represents one of the most complex challenges in plastic and reconstructive surgery, requiring the restoration of both form and function in highly specialized anatomical regions. Traditional strategies, including local flaps and autologous bone grafts, remain fundamental but are limited by donor-site morbidity, tissue availability, and unpredictable outcomes. Recent advances in regenerative medicine have shifted the paradigm from repair to true regeneration, harnessing stem cells, biomaterial scaffolds, and signaling molecules in a synergistic approach. Dental- and craniofacial tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells, along with adipose-derived stem cells, demonstrate significant potential for alveolar bone repair, periodontal regeneration, and soft tissue augmentation. Innovations in three-dimensional printing and bioactive matrices have enabled precise scaffold design and improved vascularization, thereby enhancing both predictability and esthetic outcomes. This mini review focuses on the synergistic role of stem cells, scaffolds, and signaling molecules in oral and maxillofacial regeneration, with an emphasis on the unique contributions of periodontists. By integrating periodontal biology with reconstructive techniques, a new collaborative framework is emerging to optimize regenerative outcomes. Future research must address clinical translation, large-scale trials, cost-effectiveness, and personalized approaches to fully realize the promise of regenerative surgery.