Role of Hyaluronic Acid in Dentistry

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a major component of extracellular matrix and is found in several soft connective tissues, including synovial fluid, vitreous body of eye, cartilage, skin, brain, and muscle tissues. HA is also a key element in gingiva, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone and cementum. HA supports the structural and homeostatic integrity of tissues regulating osmotic pressure and tissue lubrication. The molecule is also a key component in the series of stages associated with the wound-healing process by acting on the migration, adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of cell precursors in both mineralized and non mineralized tissues. As a consequence of the many functions attributed to HA, it is an easy-to-handle, safe, biocompatible, non-allergenic, naturally occurring macromolecule with promising clinical effects. Topical administration of HA could play a therapeutic role in different dental treatment modalities so as to accelerate wound healing or to subside inflammation or as a barrier for periodontal pathogens or as a carrier and adjunctive aid to bone grafts in bone fill.