The role and application of metal ions in maxillofacial bone defect

As an endogenous signaling molecule, metal ions not only play an important role in the physiological development of the maxillofacial bone, but also can improve the repair of maxillofacial bone defects in pathological conditions. In the field of maxillofacial bone defect repair, the utilization of autografts presents a considerable challenge because of the complex anatomical structure and healing process, thus bone tissue engineering (BTE) was introduced. In this comprehensive review, we systematically introced the signal molecules and cells involved in different healing stages of maxillofacial bone regeneration, elucidate the osteogenic mechanisms of various metal ions, and the physical and biological modification for osteogenesis of metal ions incorporated in scaffolds. Finally, the review introduces a strategy of employing therapeutic metal ions to accelerate the repair of maxillofacial bone defects by regulating the release of ions, which conforms to the healing stages of maxillofacial bone repair, thereby promoting the application prospect of metal ions.