Strategies for Bone Regeneration: From Graft to Tissue Engineering

Bone is a regenerative organ characterized by self-renewal ability. Indeed, it is a very dynamic tissue subjected to continuous remodeling in order to preserve its structure and function. However, in clinical practice, impaired bone healing can be observed in patients and medical intervention is needed to regenerate the tissue via the use of natural bone grafts or synthetic bone grafts. The main elements required for tissue engineering include cells, growth factors and a scaffold material to support them. Three different materials (metals, ceramics, and polymers) can be used to create a scaffold suitable for bone regeneration. Several cell types have been investigated in combination with biomaterials. In this review, we describe the options available for bone regeneration, focusing on tissue engineering strategies based on the use of different biomaterials combined with cells and growth factors.

Histological and Radiological Features of a Four-Phase Injectable Synthetic Bone Graft in Guided Bone Regeneration: A Case Report

Background and objective: Injectable synthetic bone grafts (ISBG) are widely used biomaterials for regeneration purposes. The aim of this case report was to examine the efficacy of ISBG in the management of buccal fenestration in the case of a 25-year-old female. Case report: After a traumatic tooth extraction, the defect was filled with ISBG and covered with a resorbable membrane. The ISBG showed easy handling and the patient had no complications during healing. Six months after augmentation, a bone biopsy was taken during implant bed preparation. The histological results showed good integration of ISBG into the newly formed bone and no signs of tissue inflammation. Additionally, a CBCT (cone beam computed tomography) analysis was performed to support the histological results. Conclusion: The use of the examined ISBG led to successful treatment of the buccal fenestration defect.

Current Use of Calcium Sulfate Bone Grafts

Bone graft placement is the most widely used therapeutic strategy for the surgical correction of osseous defects. In recent years, increasing attention has been given to the development of synthetic bone grafts. Of those currently available, calcium sulfate materials exhibit several unique properties that warrant discussion. These include their intrinsic osteogenic potential, their stimulatory effect on angiogenesis, the fact that they are fully biodegradable, the lack of proinflammatory responses following their placement in situ, and their lost cost of production. However, despite the attractiveness of these features, the use of calcium phosphate materials for bone grafting continues to be more widespread. This review examines the current use of calcium sulfate bone grafts in regenerative medicine. It also considers their clinical drawbacks before providing insight into the development of new calcium sulfate grafting constructs that might address these concerns.