Next-Generation Biomaterials and Digital Innovations for Maxillofacial Reconstruction and Regeneration

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang 14066, Republic of Korea
2. Department of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics in Dentistry, Graduated School of Clinical Dentistry, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Republic of Korea
Interests: oral and maxillofacial surgery; orthognathic surgery; facial regeneration; artificial intelligence and robotics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang 14066, Republic of Korea
2. Dental Artificial Intelligence and Robotics R&D Center, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang 14066, Republic of Korea
Interests: regeneration; implant; customized surgery; AI; maxillofacial; 3D printing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang 14066, Republic of Korea
2. Dental Artificial Intelligence and Robotics R&D Center, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang 14066, Republic of Korea
Interests: Interests: dentistry; dental implant; temporomandibular disorder; oral cancer

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Advances in maxillofacial biomaterials and digital technologies are rapidly transforming clinical practice in oral and maxillofacial surgery. This Special Issue focuses on the new generation of materials, biologics, and technology-integrated solutions that are reshaping reconstruction, regeneration, and functional rehabilitation in the craniofacial region. The goal is to highlight breakthroughs that enhance predictability, safety, and long-term outcomes in both hard and soft tissue management.

This issue encompasses innovations across a wide spectrum of applications, including but not limited to, the following:

  • Next-generation materials for maxillofacial reconstruction;
  • Implantable devices optimized for craniofacial bone biology;
  • Biologic approaches and growth factor–integrated systems;
  • Soft-tissue fillers designed specifically for facial esthetics and functional restoration;
  • Digital navigation systems and augmented-reality–assisted surgical workflows;
  • Robotics and automation in maxillofacial surgery;
  • Nanotechnology-based enhancements for osseointegration and wound healing;
  • Smart materials incorporating sensors, controlled-release systems, or bio-responsive behaviors.

By bringing together research articles, reviews, and case-based studies, this Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current trends and future directions. The intent is to inspire the development of clinically meaningful solutions that push the boundaries of maxillofacial innovation, improve treatment efficiency, and elevate patient-centered outcomes.

This Special Issue serves as a platform for scientists, clinicians, and engineers to exchange insights and expand interdisciplinary collaboration. By consolidating emerging evidence and technological progress, it seeks to stimulate further research and encourage the integration of advanced materials and digital tools into everyday clinical practice.

Prof. Dr. Byoung-Eun Yang
Dr. Soo-Hwan Byun
Dr. Sang-Yoon Park
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • maxillofacial biomaterials
  • craniofacial regeneration
  • implantable devices
  • nanotechnology
  • robotic surgery
  • surgical navigation
  • smart biomaterials
  • soft-tissue fillers
  • growth factors
  • digital surgery
  • osseointegration
  • regenerative technologies

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Published Papers (1 paper)

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Research

23 pages, 2335 KB  
Article
Structure–Property–Function Evaluation of a β-Type Ti-Nb-Zr Alloy for Dental Implant Applications with Short-Term Clinical Validation
by Deukwon Jo, Soo-Hwan Byun, Sang-Yoon Park, Jong-Hee Kim, Mijoo Kim, Hyo-Jung Lee, Young-Kyun Kim, Byoung-Eun Yang and Yang-Jin Yi
J. Funct. Biomater. 2026, 17(2), 96; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfb17020096 - 14 Feb 2026
Viewed by 490
Abstract
Titanium-based alloys are widely used in dental implantology; however, the mechanical limitations of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and unresolved concerns regarding stress shielding remain. This study evaluated the structure–property–function relationship of a novel β-type titanium-niobium-zirconium (Ti-Nb-Zr; TNZ) alloy for dental implant applications. Laboratory [...] Read more.
Titanium-based alloys are widely used in dental implantology; however, the mechanical limitations of commercially pure titanium (cpTi) and unresolved concerns regarding stress shielding remain. This study evaluated the structure–property–function relationship of a novel β-type titanium-niobium-zirconium (Ti-Nb-Zr; TNZ) alloy for dental implant applications. Laboratory testing assessed the elemental composition, tensile properties, and fatigue resistance of the cpTi, compared with modified Grade 4 cpTi (MG4T). In parallel, a randomized, single-blind, controlled clinical trial was conducted over 12 months to compare the clinical performance of TNZ and MG4T implants under functional loading. A total of 80 participants (mean age: 54.2 years; 43 females, 37 males) were enrolled, with 77 completing the 12-month follow-up (TNZ: n = 38; MG4T: n = 39). Clinical outcomes included implant success and survival, peri-implant soft tissue parameters, marginal bone levels, fractal dimension (FD) analysis of trabecular bone, and adverse events. TNZ implants demonstrated superior fatigue resistance without an increase in the elastic modulus relative to MG4T. Clinically, both groups achieved 100% implant success and survival, with no implant-related adverse events. FD analysis revealed time-dependent bone remodeling without evidence of pathological adaptation. These findings support the functional viability of TNZ as a mechanically robust, biocompatible implant material. Further long-term, multicenter trials are warranted to confirm sustained clinical benefits and broader applicability. Full article
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