The Healing Properties of Hyaluronic Acid in Dental Care

1. Introduction

   1.1 Overview of Periodontal Disease and Oral Surgery

   The two primary dental issues that people face are periodontal disease and oral surgery. Periodontal disease is the term given to any condition causing inflammation, pain, and discomfort in the gums and surrounding structures. An oral surgery is done on people who either have problems with alignment of teeth or jaw.^{[1, 2]}

   People with periodontal disease or those who have undergone oral surgery tend to complain of immense pain and discomfort along with inflammation which requires further treatment. Although there are medications available to treat these issues but the use of Hyaluronic Acid has proven as a game changer due to its wide array of healing properties.^{[1, 2]}

   1.2 Limitations of Traditional Approaches to Treating Periodontal Disease and Oral Surgery

   There are different types of approaches to deal with periodontal disease or to deal with the pain and discomfort after an oral surgery which have been used for decades. As an example, a course of antibiotics is quite effective in dealing with periodontal diseases or having deep cleanings done to flush out debris from the teeth causing inflammation.^[3]

   However, these treatments tend to become ineffective in severe cases of periodontic disease. Similarly, oral surgery may be a solution to many problems but they always carry a risk of complications and infection postsurgery.^[3]

   1.3 The Healing Properties of Hyaluronic Acid in Dental Care

   Hyaluronic Acid with its wide array of healing properties has been shown to be quite effective in periodontal disease and can also be used after an oral surgery. This is because Hyaluronic Acid is quite effective in promoting tissue regeneration, decreasing inflammation, and also preventing postoperative complications. Hyaluronic Acid addresses some of the limitations that traditional treatments have for better results pertaining to these dental issues.^[4]

2. How Does Hyaluronic Acid Function in the Body?

   2.1 How Hyaluronic Acid Aids in Wound Healing

   Hyaluronic Acid is a vital component of the cellular matrix and has a vital role to play in healing up wounds quickly, prevent scar formation, and tissue regeneration. The water retaining ability of Hyaluronic Acid creates an environment which supports cell growth and movement. This helps in repairing damaged tissues and promotes growth of new healthy tissues.^[5]

   2.2 How Does Hyaluronic Acid Impact the Immune System?

   Hyaluronic Acid also has antiinflammatory properties and helps the immune system by promoting recruitment of immune cells to the site of injury or infection. This prevents spread of infection and aids in faster healing.^[5]

3. Hyaluronic Acid in Periodontal Disease Treatment

   3.1 Hyaluronic Acid as an Antiinflammatory

   Inflammation is the primary cause of tissue damage and tooth loss in periodontal disease. The antiinflammatory effects of Hyaluronic Acid decrease this inflammation and helps in the treatment of dental diseases. Hyaluronic Acid decreases inflammation by inhibiting the production of proinflammatory cytokines thereby slowing down the progression of disease and decrease pain and discomfort.^{[5, 6]}

   3.2 Hyaluronic Acid and Tissue Regeneration

   As mentioned above Hyaluronic Acid promotes tissue regeneration and aids in wound healing in the periodontal pockets. These pockets are deep spaces between the teeth and the gums. Hyaluronic Acid has therefore shown to be quite effective even in advanced cases of periodontal disease. It does so by providing the environment for healthy cell growth in these pockets and prevents further damage to the gums and teeth.^{[5, 6]}

   3.3 Clinical Applications of Hyaluronic Acid in Periodontal Disease Treatment

   For periodontal diseases Hyaluronic Acid is used in the form of injections, gels, and coatings. It can be applied locally to the affected area in the form of a targeted treatment. It is quite effective and also reduces the chances of systemic side effects.^[7]

4. Hyaluronic Acid in Oral Surgery

   4.1 Use of Hyaluronic Acid in Tissue Regeneration

   In cases of oral surgery, Hyaluronic Acid is given postprocedure to aid in tissue regeneration and wound healing aside from acting as a potent antiinflammatory. Hyaluronic Acid is also shown to speed up the healing process and decrease pain after surgery.^[8]

   4.2 Hyaluronic Acid for Prevention of Postprocedure Infections

   Hyaluronic Acid is also quite effective in prevention of the chances of an infection after an oral surgical procedure. It does this by creating a barrier between the surgical site and common pathogens that may cause an infection.^[8]

   4.3 Different Form of Hyaluronic Acid Used in Dental Care

   Hyaluronic Acid is used in the form of gels, coatings, and local injections after surgery as a prophylaxis to prevent infections or other wound complications and also to speed up recovery.^[8]

5. Scientific Evidence Supporting the Use of Hyaluronic Acid in Dental Applications

   5.1 Studies on Use of Hyaluronic Acid in Periodontal Disease

   There have been various studies conducted on the efficacy of Hyaluronic Acid in treatment of periodontal diseases. The studies have shown that use of Hyaluronic Acid along with scaling and root planing significantly improved clinical parameters like pocket depth, bleeding on probing, and attachment level compared to scaling and root planing alone.^{[7, 8]}

   5.2 Studies on use of Hyaluronic Acid After Oral Surgery

   Studies have also shown that Hyaluronic Acid is effective in promoting tissue regeneration and reducing inflammation post an oral surgery. A study showed that use of hyaluronic acid gel after wisdom tooth extraction significantly reduced postoperative pain and inflammation compared to a placebo.^{[7, 8]}

6. Dosage and Administration of Hyaluronic Acid in Dental Applications

   6.1 Different Forms of Hyaluronic Acid Used in Dental Applications

   In oral treatments, Hyaluronic Acid is basically used as gels, injections, or coatings. The best form of applications is determined by the dentist or the oral surgeon performing the procedure based on the procedure and severity of the condition.^[9]

   6.2 The Importance of Adhering to the Recommended Dosage When Using Hyaluronic Acid

   It is important for the patient as well as the dentist to follow the instructions of the manufacturer when applying Hyaluronic Acid for treatment of oral conditions for best results and to avoid any unwarranted side effects.^[9]

   6.3 Things to be Aware of When Using Hyaluronic Acid in Dental Applications

   While Hyaluronic Acid is considered to be quite safe but as is inherent with any medication there are some potential side effects that some people may experience. Even though rare some people may experience allergic reactions. It is therefore vital for the dentist to inform the patients of all the pros and cons of using Hyaluronic Acid as a form of treatment for oral surgery and periodontal disease.^[9]

7. Conclusion

   To summarize, Hyaluronic Acid has shown immense promise in the treatment of various oral conditions like periodontal disease and is also quite effective post an oral surgery.^{[1, 2]}

   The property of Hyaluronic Acid to reduce inflammation, aid in tissue regeneration, and promote wound healing. It is also quite effective in preventing any complications after an oral surgery. However more data is required to get to know what more Hyaluronic Acid has to offer in terms of benefit for people dealing with oral and dental conditions.^{[1, 2]}

References:

Also Read:

• What is Hyaluronic Acid & What are its Benefits, Side Effects?