Biological molecules in dental applications: hyaluronic acid as a companion biomaterial for diverse dental applications

Abstract

Objectives: The application of hyaluronic acid (HA) in dental treatments is relatively new, and modified-HA products can be vastly different from each other. This study aims to provide a basis for bridging specific characteristics of HA with its potential applications in dental treatments, evaluating and comparing different types of HA products and for future research on HA applications in dentistry.

Data sources: Information from the existing literature on HA applications has been cited.

Study selection: Furthermore, this study is specifically oriented to provide oral health care providers with a scientific basis for HA use along with the clinical aspects of HA.

Conclusions: Outcomes from existing and future studies cannot be generalised for HA use in dental applications. Therefore, we have proposed a scheme to bridge HA specific characteristics to its applications in dental treatments and compare different HA products used for the same clinical application to identify the most suitable one.

Clinical significance: Highlighting the use of HA in dental treatments and providing a basis for developing new methods, protocols, and products specifically oriented for dentistry.

Keywords: Advances in dentistry; Biochemistry; Biotechnology; Carbohydrates; Dental treatments; Dentistry; Extracellular matrix; Glycoproteins; Hyaluronan; Hyaluronic acid; Materials science; Natural product chemistry; Polymers; Regenerative dentistry.