Year: 2025 | Month: May | Volume: 12 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 568-575
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20250558
Hydrogels in Dentistry: A Step Forward in Dental Innovation
Dr. Ridhiman Raman1, Dr. Shravan Rathi2, Dr. Vineeta Nikhil3
1Junior Resident, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Subharti Dental College and Hospital, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, India
2Associate Professor, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Subharti Dental College and Hospital, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, India
3Professor and Head, Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Subharti Dental College and Hospital, Swami Vivekanand Subharti University, Meerut, India
Corresponding Author: Dr. Ridhiman Raman
ABSTRACT
Oral diseases are a widespread global health concern, primarily involving microbial infections, inflammation and the degradation of oral tissues. While maintaining oral health is critical to overall well-being, effective treatment and regeneration of damaged dental structures remain significant challenges. Despite advances in dental medicine, current therapies are often limited by the performance of the materials used. This has driven growing interest in the development of advanced biomaterials to meet the complex demands of oral and craniofacial therapies. Biomaterials are engineered to interact with biological systems for diagnosis, treatment or tissue replacement. Hydrogels have garnered significant attention due to their capacity to replicate the natural tissue environment and facilitate cellular functions.
Hydrogels are three-dimensional structures with an insoluble crosslinked network of hydrophilic co-polymers, which endows them with the ability to adsorb and retain large amount of water in their swollen states, closely mimicking the natural extracellular matrix (ECM). Their highwater content, biocompatibility, porosity and viscoelastic properties support cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation. Though hydrogels do not directly heal tissues, they serve as effective carriers for drugs, cells or minerals creating a favourable microenvironment that enhances therapeutic outcomes in oral tissue repair and regeneration.
This article is the concise overview of hydrogel and their multifaceted application for treating various oral and maxillofacial conditions, including infection management and defect repair.
Keywords: Biomaterials, Extracellular matrix, Hydrogel, Polymeric network.
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