Current Approaches in Vertical Bone Augmentation and Large Bone Deficiencies in the Orofacial Region

Bone regeneration in the orofacial region is a significant health and economic burden. While surgical techniques for the treatment of bone deficiencies have been developed, several challenges still remain. This chapter describes the most common surgical treatments for vertical bone augmentation and critically analyses their drawbacks while elaborating on the emergence of additive manufacturing in this area. Pre-clinical research endeavours utilising 3D-printed scaffolds are then described and their perceived limitations are discussed. The final section of the chapter provides a description of current reconstruction techniques used in the case of severe bone atrophies and large-volume bone deficiencies prior to elaborating on the future of this field.