The purpose of this article is to review the past and present available means of bone reconstruction and augmentation in the maxillofacial region using alloplastic materials in order to evaluate whether research in this field is still of interest. Bone morphology and function is described for a better understanding of its formation and healing and also the role that biomaterials play in this process. Several types of alloplastic materials and their means of fixation are mentioned, which aim to obtain optimal healing in the maxillofacial region (after trauma, tooth loss, bone defects etc.). Currently available materials provide good results but they can be improved in directions like: perfect 3D modeling, close to 0% resorption, improved osteoconduction and maybe even osteoinduction, better means of fixation, no need for membranes to protect them, lower costs and a wider acceptance by practitioners and patients.