CRANIOFACIAL AND DENTAL TISSUE - 3D Bioprinting and Nanotechnology in Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine - page 186

FIGURE 9.1
Current craniofacial regenerative procedures.
( Figure 9.1 from Sanchez-Lara et al., 2011 ).
The next section of this chapter will look at the range of craniofacial therapies, third is a look at
research into craniofacial and dental regenerative medicine, fourth is a look at current research into
bone tissue engineering, and finally we state our conclusions from this review of craniofacial and dental
tissue bioprinting and nanotechnology.
9.2 CLINICAL NEED FOR CRANIOFACIAL AND DENTAL REGENERATIVE
MEDICINE
The craniofacial region is composed of a complex interconnection of multiple organ systems. The
structure consists of a musculoskeletal framework that is both intricate enough to compliment the func-
tion of the other systems as well as adequately robust to provide protection to the delicate components
therein. The craniofacial region is the beginning of the respiratory and alimentary tracts, functioning
to warm and humidify air and commence the digestion of food in these respective systems. This area
is also the sensory headquarters of the body, with all sensory modalities being manifest here; more
particularly, the four special sensory systems (visual, auditory, olfactory, and gustatory) exclusively
operate here. Stimuli from the environment are received here and are even processed here. The signals
received by the sensory organs are then transmitted nearby to the most vital of organs, the brain. Thus,
the craniofacial region is the central interface between the individual and their environment; it is also
responsible for sending communicative signals by embodying voice into speech, expressing emotions,
disclosing identity, displaying aesthetics, and cueing gender, race, and age. With the craniofacial region
playing so many key functions, defects and deformities of this area can severely affect an individual's
quality of life, leading to both significant physical impairments as well as psychological sequelae.
Indeed, it has been shown that patients who have undergone resection of tumors of the head and neck
actually more readily adjust to their dysfunction than to their disfigurement ( Dropkin, 1999 ; Gamba
et al., 1992 ). For all these reasons, reconstruction and restoration of craniofacial defects demands
state-of-the-art techniques and advanced materials.
9.2.1 MAJOR DIAGNOSES AND CAUSES
Defects and deformities of the craniofacial region arise from dental disease, trauma, aging, cancer, and
congenital malformations. Each of these will presently be discussed.