The use of tissue engineering to restore and to build new bone tissue is under active research at present. The following review summarizes the latest studies and clinical trials related to the use of osteogenic cells, biomaterials, and scaffolds to regenerate bone defects in the human jaws. Bone tissue engineering (BTE) combined with scaffolds have provided a range of advantages not only to transport the target cells to their desired destination but also to support the early phases of the mineralization process. The mechanical, chemical, and physical properties of scaffolds have been evaluated as they affect the quantity of bone regeneration, particularly in the oral cavity. This review also highlighted the mechanisms underlying bone homeostasis, including the key transcription factors and signaling pathways responsible for regulating the differentiation of osteoblast lineage. Furthering understanding of the mechanisms of cellular signaling in skeletal remodeling with the use of mesenchymal stem cells and the proper scaffold properties are key-factors to enable the incorporation of new and effective treatment methods into clinical practice for bone tissue regeneration using BTE. Impact Statement The use of mesenchymal stem cells able to differentiate in osteoblast lineage for bone tissue engineering (BTE) remains a major challenge. Viable cells and signaling pathways play an essential role in bone repair and regeneration of critical size defects. Recent advances in scaffolds and biological factors such as growth factors (e.g., cytokines and hormones) controlling the osteogenic signaling cascade are now becoming new players affecting the osteogenic potential of cells. Such techniques will significantly impact the maxillofacial bone tissue replacement, repair, and regeneration for patients without having to rely on donor banks or other surgical sites.
Keywords: bone regeneration; bone tissue; osteogenic cell; scaffold; tissue engineering.