This book provides a thorough, up-to-date description of the scientific basis and concepts of tissue engineering in the oral and maxillofacial region. The opening chapters present an introduction to tissue engineering, describe the roles of biomaterials and stem cells, discuss the use of growth factors, and examine potential adverse reactions. The challenges of soft and hard tissue engineering for oral and maxillofacial reconstruction are then considered in detail. It is explained what has been achieved to date, and potential future perspectives are explored. The importance and the verification of adequate vascularization are discussed, and a further focus is the use of 3D printing, both in the planning and production of scaffolds and in the bioprinting of cells and biomaterials. Information is also included on safety, efficacy, and regulatory aspects. Tissue Engineering in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery will be of interest to all researchers and practitioners who wish to learn more about the potential of tissue engineering to revolutionize practice in oral and maxillofacial surgery. 

Riitta Seppänen-Kaijansinkko (formerly Suuronen) is Professor in Translational Research on Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases in the Faculty of Medicine (Clinicum), University of Helsinki, Finland and a part-time senior physician at Helsinki University Hospital. She gained DDS, PhD, and MD degrees from the University of Helsinki in 1986, 1992, and 1996, respectively. She was awarded the title of Adjunct Professor (Docent) in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery by the University of Helsinki in 2000 and later became Docent in Biomaterials at the Tampere University of Technology. She was Professor in Biomaterials and later Tissue Engineering from 2003 to 2015 in the University of Tampere, Finland. Dr. Seppänen-Kaijansinkko is an accredited Specialist in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (both Medical and Dental) and a Fellow of the European Board of Oro-Maxillofacial Surgery (FEBOMS). For several years she has been  External evaluator of Research Grant Applications for European Commission (2007,2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 ).

In 2008 she was President of the 33rd Scandinavian Congress of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and President of Tampere Tissue Engineering Symposium in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009. She has also been President of Finnish Dental Society Apollonia 2003-2004. In 2012 she was awarded Dr Tech (h.c.) in Technical University of Tampere and Honorary Professorship in the University of Hong Kong. She has received many prizes such as Arje Scheinin Medal, Apollonia Award and latest Apollonia Medal.   She is also a member of several editorial boards, such as Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Reviews and Reports and a board member for Programmable Materials, Academy of Finland. She has also a few start-up companies in the field of medical technology.