In facial surgery, deficient bone of the jaw and face represents an aesthetic and functional problem. A variety of bone substitute materials (BSM) for hard tissue indications are already available. New strategies and products are constantly being developed. These biomaterials are analyzed in vitro, ex vivo, in vivo and in clinical settings. Moreover, new smart materials and manufacturing methods are currently being researched. Altogether, these biomaterials are engineered to be bioactive to promote tissue engineering.

Preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies as well as clinical investigations are mandatory to evaluate the cyto- and biocompatibility of BSM. BSM is available in many natural and synthetic entities as well as different additives (e.g., hyaluronic acid). The autologous replacement continues to be the gold standard, although there is still great potential for development in the case of synthetic materials. Each entity has its own advantages and disadvantages such as autologous bone transfer and the associated problem of donor site morbidity.

The aim of this Special Issue is to bring together original research articles and review articles highlighting new insights into the underlying cellular and molecular interactions of BSM for bone regeneration of the jaws and facial area. In particular, this Special Issue seeks for studies describing the in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo performance of new and smart BSM with special interest to cell interactions, histopathology, and immunology. Submissions discussing bone substitute materials (BSM) and cellular or molecular interactions with biomaterials are welcome.

Potential topics include but are not limited to the following:

• Bone substitute materials (BSM)
• Bone regeneration of the jaws and facial bones
• Innovative material processing techniques
• Cell and immune responses to BSM
• Molecular interactions with BSM
• Innovative ex vivo models to simulate in vivo interactions
• Clinical studies on BSM