Tissue Engineering and Oral Rehabilitation in the Stomatognathic System

The stomatognathic system is a functional unit characterized by several structures: skeletal components, dental arches, soft tissues, and the temporomandibular joint and masticatory muscles. These structures act in harmony to perform different functional tasks (to speak, to break food down into small pieces, and to swallow). On the other hand, the various components of the stomatognathic system influence each other. The restoration of function of the various components of the stomatognathic system is a major focus of research from different disciplines. For that reason stomatognathic diseases are treated by dentists and maxillofacial surgeons as well as otorhinolaryngologists. Furthermore, the preservation of the masticatory muscles is nowadays also at the forefront of scientists.