Hydrogel systems and organoid models in regenerative dentistry

Regenerative dentistry is an actively developing field aimed at restoring the structure and function of dental and periodontal tissues through biologically based approaches. Among the most promising strategies, hydrogel-based systems and organoid models have attracted increasing attention due to their ability to recreate key features of the native extracellular microenvironment and support controlled cellular behavior. This review summarizes current advances in the design and application of hydrogel systems and organoid technologies in dental tissue engineering, with an emphasis on their biological rationale, functional properties, and translational potential. Hydrogels represent versatile biomaterials capable of mimicking the physical and biochemical characteristics of the extracellular matrix, thereby providing a supportive scaffold for cell survival, proliferation, and lineage-specific differentiation. Recent developments in functional, stimuli-responsive, and composite hydrogels have expanded their applicability in the regeneration of dental pulp, dentin, periodontal tissues, and alveolar bone. In parallel, organoid models derived from dental and oral stem cell populations offer three-dimensional systems that recapitulate key aspects of tissue morphogenesis, enabling advanced studies of development, disease modeling, and drug screening. The integration of hydrogel platforms with organoid technologies has opened new opportunities for creating physiologically relevant and customizable regenerative constructs. Despite significant progress, challenges related to mechanical stability, vascularization, standardization, and clinical translation remain. Addressing these limitations through interdisciplinary research and technological refinement is essential for advancing regenerative strategies toward predictable and long-term clinical outcomes. Overall, hydrogel-based systems and organoid models represent complementary and powerful tools that may significantly reshape future approaches in regenerative dentistry.