Biomaterials for Bone Grafting and Craniofacial Bone Regeneration

Reconstruction of craniofacial defects poses a challenging task for craniofacial surgeons. Reconstruction of the underlying craniofacial bone is crucial for successful outcome of these defects. Bone grafting is the standard technique employed for bone reconstruction. However, with the advent of novel biomaterials as bone substitutes for grafting procedures, attractive alternatives have unlocked for surgeons. Since a few decades, the field of craniofacial bone regeneration has expanded enormously with the advent of novel biomaterials and innovative concepts such as bioprinting and drug delivery. At present, several natural and synthetic bone graft materials are available as bone substitutes. In this chapter, the authors will focus on the various biomaterials that are currently used as bone substitutes in craniofacial bone regeneration along with an update of the active research among each class of biomaterials going on in this area. Also, the authors will brief-in the recent concepts for craniofacial bone regeneration.