Recent Advances in Injectable Hydrogel Biotherapeutics for Regenerative Dental Medicine

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Regenerative Medicine
• Dental Research

Background:

• Dental caries and periodontitis remain major oral health issues.
• Current treatments focus on managing symptoms, not tissue restoration.
• Injectable hydrogels present a novel approach for dental tissue regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advancements in injectable hydrogels for dental tissue regeneration.
• To discuss the design, performance, and future directions of these hydrogels.
• To encourage innovation in regenerative dental medicine.

Main Methods:

• Functionalization of hydrogels with growth factors, bioactive compounds, and dentin matrix components.
• Incorporation of antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and pro-regenerative cues.
• Delivery of osteogenic, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory agents, including stem cells and extracellular vesicles.

Main Results:

• Hydrogels effectively support localized disinfection, angiogenesis, and tissue regeneration in dentin-pulp and periodontal defects.
• Engineered hydrogels modulate inflammatory responses, stimulate host cell activity, and facilitate hard and soft tissue formation.
• Enhanced cellular activity and regeneration of alveolar bone and soft tissue observed with hydrogel application.

Conclusions:

• Injectable hydrogels are versatile biomaterials for regenerating dentin-pulp and periodontal tissues.
• These advanced materials offer promising solutions for localized disinfection and tissue repair.
• Further research into multifunctional, biocompatible hydrogels will drive innovation in regenerative dental medicine.