Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Current Progress and Future Directions

Dear Colleagues,

Oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) is a rapidly evolving specialty that integrates medicine and advanced surgical techniques to diagnose and treat diseases affecting the face, jaws, and oral cavity. Recent progress in the field has been driven by technological innovation, improved biomaterials, and a growing emphasis on patient-centered care.

One of the most significant advancements is the adoption of digital technologies. Virtual surgical planning, computer-assisted surgery, and three-dimensional (3D) printing have transformed preoperative assessment and intraoperative precision. These tools allow surgeons to create patient-specific models, guides, and implants, leading to more predictable outcomes in reconstructive and orthognathic procedures. Additionally, minimally invasive techniques, including endoscopic and robotic-assisted surgery, have reduced operative morbidity, shortened recovery times, and improved esthetic results. Another area of progress is implantology and regenerative medicine. Innovations in implant design, surface modification, and guided placement have increased the success rates of dental implants. At the same time, tissue engineering and stem cell research are opening new possibilities for bone and soft tissue regeneration, offering alternatives to traditional grafting methods. These biologically driven approaches are particularly important in managing complex defects caused by trauma, congenital anomalies, or tumor resection.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is also playing an increasingly important role. AI-driven systems can enhance diagnostic accuracy, assist in radiographic interpretation, and support personalized treatment planning. Machine learning models are being developed to predict surgical outcomes and optimize workflows, improving efficiency and reducing human error. Furthermore, emerging technologies such as augmented and virtual reality are being explored for surgical training and intraoperative guidance. In oncology, advancements in early detection, targeted therapies, and reconstructive techniques have improved survival rates and quality of life for patients with oral cancers. Similarly, progress in temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and facial nerve repair has expanded treatment options and functional outcomes.

Looking ahead, the future of OMFS lies in precision medicine and interdisciplinary collaboration. Personalized treatment approaches based on genetic, molecular, and microbiological data are expected to become more common. The integration of immunotherapy in head and neck cancer management and the continued development of biomaterials and smart implants will further enhance therapeutic outcomes.

Despite these advancements, challenges remain, including the high cost of technology, the need for specialized training, and ensuring equitable access to care. Nevertheless, ongoing research and innovation continue to push the boundaries of the field.

In conclusion, oral and maxillofacial surgery is undergoing a paradigm shift characterized by digitalization, biologically driven therapies, and AI integration. These developments promise safer, more efficient, and highly personalized treatments, shaping a future where patient outcomes and quality of life are significantly improved.

The purpose of this Special Issue on “Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Current Progress and Future Directions” is to provide a comprehensive platform for the dissemination of cutting-edge research, innovative techniques, and critical insights shaping the evolution of oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS). As a dynamic and interdisciplinary specialty, OMFS continues to advance through the integration of emerging technologies, novel biomaterials, and evidence-based clinical practices. This Special Issue aims to capture these developments and highlight their implications for both current practice and future innovation.

We seek to bring together contributions that explore recent progress in areas such as digital surgery, including virtual planning, computer-assisted procedures, and three-dimensional (3D) printing; minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques; and advances in implantology and regenerative medicine. Particular emphasis will be placed on research addressing tissue engineering, stem cell applications, and biomaterial innovations that are transforming reconstructive and restorative outcomes.

In addition, this Special Issue aims to examine the growing role of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data-driven approaches in diagnosis, treatment planning, and surgical precision. Submissions focusing on augmented and virtual reality in intraoperative navigation are also encouraged, as these technologies are reshaping clinical practice.

Topics of interest for publication include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Orthognathic surgery, surgical treatment/correction of dental and maxillofacial malformations;
• Head and neck cosmetic surgery;
• Oral cancer;
• Reconstructive surgery;
• Management of oral diseases;
• New methods and techniques in oral and maxillofacial surgery;
• Oral and maxillofacial soft and hard tissue trauma and reconstruction techniques;
• Drug-related osteonecrosis of the jaw;
• New diagnostic and therapeutic tools for the management of potentially malignant diseases of the oral cavity;
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.

Dr. Fabio Maglitto
Dr. Giovanni Salzano
Guest Editors

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• oral and maxillofacial surgery
• digital planning
• head and neck surgery
• reconstructive surgery
• implant–prosthetic rehabilitation
• oral diseases
• regenerative dentistry
• AI