ABSTRACT
For almost a century, the reconstructive surgeon has struggled to find the best method for repairing oral cavity defects. Early on, surgeons attempted to use simple compounds such as gold, steel, and glass wool to repair major defects resulting from trauma, tumor, and infection. As industrial, chemical, and scientific techniques progressed, so have the available material and methods. The advances in material science, improved surgical techniques, and tissue engineering have allowed for major strides in the field of oral cavity reconstruction.
