Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The regeneration of oral tissues, including periodontal ligaments, alveolar bone, and soft tissues, remains a major challenge in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery. Traditional approaches, such as grafting and guided tissue regeneration, are limited by donor site morbidity, immune responses, and surgical complexities. Injectable hydrogels have emerged as promising biomaterials due to their ability to deliver cells, growth factors, and bioactive molecules directly to injury sites in a minimally invasive manner. Their adjustable properties and ability to mimic the extracellular matrix make them ideal for promoting tissue repair and regeneration. This review evaluates the literature on injectable hydrogels in oral tissue regeneration, with a focus on their composition, mechanism of action, and clinical applications. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar for studies published between 2000 and 2024, following PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: Thirty (30) studies met the inclusion criteria, with five selected for detailed analysis. The findings highlight the regenerative potential of hydrogels composed of natural polymers, e.g., collagen, alginate, and hyaluronic acid, synthetic polymers, e.g., polyethylene glycol PEG, and polycaprolactone, as well as poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid. Advanced hydrogel formulations, including self-healing, thermosensitive, and bioactive hydrogels, demonstrate enhanced biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and controlled drug delivery. CONCLUSION: Despite their potential, challenges such as long-term stability, clinical translation, and standardization in hydrogel formulations remain. Further research is required to optimize hydrogel-based therapies for widespread clinical use in oral and periodontal tissue regeneration.