Hydrogels in Periodontal and Craniofacial Regeneration: Current Applications and Next-Generation Biomaterials

Periodontal and craniofacial tissue defects are complex regenerative targets as the reconstitution of tissue heterogeneity, interconnection and function is essential for favorable clinical outcomes. Periodontal tissues are additionally challenged by the bacterial and immunological factors associated with oral regeneration. Hydrogels are extracellular matrix-like hydrated polymer networks that represent a diverse class of regenerative materials. Current applications of hydrogels for periodontal and craniofacial tissue regeneration include either independent or combined approaches including serving as scaffolds to support cell migration, proliferation, differentiation and matrix deposition at the defective site, and/or the delivery of biomolecular therapies. The aim of this review is to highlight and classify the hydrogel strategies currently used in the clinical area for the regeneration of periodontal and craniofacial tissues. In addition, we provide a perspective on emerging hydrogel technologies and regenerative strategies under development that may be utilized to address unmet clinical needs.