Effects of Electric Field-Modulated Conductive Hydrogel on Osseoperception and Osseointegration of Dental Implants

Achieving optimal implant restoration hinges on both robust osseointegration as the structural foundation and favorable osseoperception for advanced masticatory function. The significance of nerve innervation in the peri-implant environment as the cornerstone of osseointegration and osseoperception is often underestimated. Despite the integral role of endogenous electric fields (EFs) in the human body, particularly in electrosensitive tissues like nerve tissue, the current approach involving external electrical stimulation is invasive and not clinically applicable. The present study introduces a conductive hydrogel designed to respond to endogenous EFs, aiming to foster nerve regeneration around dental implants to coordinate both osseointegration and osseoperception. The hydrogel promotes neurite outgrowth by upregulating intracellular Ca 2+ concentration and activating subsequent pathways. Furthermore, the enhanced release of neuropeptides from neurocells improves the osteogenesis of osteoblasts. The impact of the conductive hydrogel on osseointegration and osseoperception is also thoroughly investigated in vivo. This conductive hydrogel represents a unique strategy for enhancing osseointegration and osseoperception within the endogenous EFs of the peri-implant environment. This advancement opens the door to achieving the physiological and psychological integration of dental implants.