Endogenous jaw bone regeneration: past, present, and future

Abstract Jaw bone defects impair oral function and facial aesthetics, reducing patients’ quality of life. While significant progress has been achieved in systemic skeletal repair, jaw bone regeneration remains challenging due to its distinct biological and anatomical features compared with long bones. This article systematically traces the evolution of jaw bone regeneration from conventional guided bone regeneration to bioactive scaffold–based tissue engineering. Mechanism-driven strategies tailored for jaw bone regeneration under compromised bone microenvironment are also discussed, with a specific focus on diabetes. A clear understanding of the evolution of strategies for jaw bone regeneration and the challenges posed by impaired bone microenvironment will foster innovation in this field and improve clinical outcomes.