Advances and Functional Integration of Hydrogel Composites as Drug Delivery Systems in Contemporary Dentistry

Abstract

This study explores the recent advances of and functional insights into hydrogel composites, materials that have gained significant attention for their versatile applications across various fields, including contemporary dentistry. Hydrogels, known for their high water content and biocompatibility, are inherently soft but often limited by mechanical fragility. Key areas of focus include the customization of hydrogel composites for biomedical applications, such as drug delivery systems, wound dressings, and tissue engineering scaffolds, where improved mechanical properties and bioactivity are critical. In dentistry, hydrogels are utilized for drug delivery systems targeting oral diseases, dental adhesives, and periodontal therapies due to their ability to adhere to the mucosa, provide localized treatment, and support tissue regeneration. Their unique properties, such as mucoadhesion, controlled drug release, and stimuli responsiveness, make them ideal candidates for treating oral conditions. This review highlights both experimental breakthroughs and theoretical insights into the structure-property relationships within hydrogel composites, aiming to guide future developments in the design and application of these multifunctional materials in dentistry. Ultimately, hydrogel composites represent a promising frontier for advancing materials science with far-reaching implications in healthcare, environmental technology, and beyond.

Keywords: biocompatibility; dental applications; hydrogels; nanomaterials; periodontitis.

Figure 1

Potential uses of hydrogels in the dental field.

Figure 2

Hydrogel characteristics and classification (with IPN—interpenetrating polymer network).

Figure 3

The action mechanisms of a smart hydrogel.

Figure 4

Structures of hydrogels and nanogels.

Figure 5

The pathway of a drug delivery system to treat periodontal disease.