We investigated the osteogenic characteristic and biodegradation behavior of porous beta-tricalcium phosphate (β- TCP ) and bone morphogenetic protein/beta-tricalcium phosphate ( BMP/β- TCP ) complex in mandibular reconstruction and evaluated the advantages of BMP / β- TCP complex in repairing bone defects. Bone defects created in the lower margin of bilateral mandible bodies in 12 rabbits were repaired with β- TCP ( control group) and BMP/β-TCP complex ( experimental group) respectively. The rabbits were euthanized after 2, 4, 8and 12 weeks and examined by macroscopy , radiography, histology, histomorphometry and image analysis. 2weeks after surgery, ossification of newly-generated tissue in BMP/ β- TCP complex group appeared and after 12weeks, massive new bone and ossification maturation were seen. However, in β- TCP group without BMP , ossification was not found until 12 weeks after operation. Image analysis showed that bone regeneration rate of BMP/β- TCP was 30%-40% higher and the degradation rate was 20%- 30% higher than that of β- TCP. Therefore,as a reconstructive material for bone defects, BMP/β- TCP complex is superior to β-TCP and can be used in oral and maxillofacial surgery.