Insulin's Hidden Potential: Boosting Oral Bone Healing

Oral bone tissue loss is a big problem. It can happen due to conditions like osteoporosis, tooth removal, or even being overweight. Traditional fixes have issues like hurting the donor site or causing inflammation. Now, scientists are exploring new materials that mimic natural bone. One standout is insulin, a hormone known for controlling blood sugar. But it also helps build and repair bones. It works by interacting with cells called osteoblasts and using special pathways to boost bone growth. Researchers are now using tiny particles and scaffolds made of materials like chitosan and gelatin to deliver insulin right where it's needed in the mouth. This controlled release helps overcome insulin's quick breakdown in the body. By understanding insulin's role better, scientists hope to create more effective treatments for oral bone issues.