BACKGROUND: Physiological bone formation and bone regeneration occurring during bone repair can be considered distinct but similar processes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) and associated biologic factors are crucial to both bone formation and bone regeneration. AIM: To perform a narrative review of the current literature regarding the role of MSC and biologic factors in bone formation with the aim of discussing the clinical relevance of in vitro and in vivo animal studies. METHODS: The literature was searched for studies on MSC and biologic factors associated with the formation of bone in the mandible and maxilla. The search specifically targeted studies on key aspects of how stem cells and biologic factors are important in bone formation and how this might be relevant to bone regeneration. The results are summarized in a narrative review format. RESULTS: Different types of MSC and many biologic factors are associated with bone formation in the maxilla and mandible. CONCLUSION: Bone formation and regeneration involve very complex and highly regulated cellular and molecular processes. By studying these processes, new clinical opportunities will arise for therapeutic bone regenerative treatments.