Nanoceramics for bone regeneration in the oral and craniomaxillofacial complex

Nanotechnology has played an increasing pivotal role in tissue engineering of bone regenerative approaches. There has been a great deal of research focused on the fabrication of materials with properties that support the cellular processes involved in bone regeneration and repair and provide a scaffold for optimal three-dimensional tissue formation. This chapter highlights some of the recent advances in the development of nanoceramics that fulfill many of the desired qualities for a bone scaffold and have great clinical potential in bone regenerative procedures in dentistry. The materials discussed include: nanophase hydroxyapatite, nanohydroxyapatite composites, hydrogels and nanohydroxyapatite, chitosan, nano-bioactive glass composites, and nanocalcium sulfate.