Bioactive Glasses and their Applications in Dentistry

Abstract

ABSTRACT:Biomaterials have always been used for the replacement, repair and regeneration of dental hard tissues. As the research continues, there is a significant development in the field of dental materials in terms of either developing new materials or improving the performance of the existing materials. Contrary to the development of bioinert materials, the recent hard tissue research has witnessed the development and subsequent applications of bioactive materials, a hallmark of which is the development of bioactive glass. Originally discovered in 1969, bioactive glasses have provided a reliable alternative to inert implant materials by virtue of their ability to form a stable bond with host tissues and induce subsequent remineralization especially of the dental hard tissues. This article comprehensively reviews the early development, chronological applications and mechanism of action of bioactive glasses in general and briefly encompasses their applications in clinical dentistry.

Dentin Tubule Occlusion Potential of Novel Dentifrices Having Fluoride Containing Bioactive Glass and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

“…Calcium and phosphate ions are integral parts of hard tissues of the human body, such as bones and teeth [23], and all the BG compositions that are available till date contain these two important ions [7]. The surface reaction that occurs when the BG comes in contact with a bone comprises the following main steps: formation of silanol (Si-OH) groups on the surface of BG, silica dissolution, and the development of an amorphous calcium phosphate layer, which in turn crystallizes as HAP [8]. As both human bone and dentin are similar in their chemical compositions, it can be predicted that the material, which forms a strong bond with the former, will also form a similar bond with the latter [24].…”

“…The components of BG are oxides of calcium, sodium, phosphorus, and silica, in ratios that impart bioactivity [7]. These BGs were introduced in the late 1960s primarily for osteogenesis; however, since then, their inclusion in various dental products, especially dentifrices, has been increasing [8]. As the bone and dentin are similar in structure, the use of BGs on dentin could prove useful in attaining clinical benefits [9].…”

“…The reaction of BG in aqueous solution brings about a change in its structure and chemical composition, as it dissolves and leads to the formation of hydroxycarbonated apatite (HAP) [8]. The fluoride of traditional BGs is not inside their glass structure, although that would be more beneficial in ensuring the formation of strong fluorapatite (FAP) crystals [10].…”

Remineralization of artificial carious lesions using a novel fluoride incorporated bioactive glass dentifrice

“…13,14 The BioMin F toothpaste contains high-phosphate BG with fluoride within its BG composition. 10 When BG is placed in the oral cavity, ionic exchange reactions take place and the glass begins to dissolve, releasing calcium (Ca 2+ ) and phosphate (PO 4 3-) ions, 15 resulting in the formation of FAP, which is more acidresistant and is quite desirable for various dental applications. On the other hand, fluoride from a regular toothpaste can be washed quickly by the salivary flow and the amount of FAP thus formed is also questionable.…”

Structural, fluoride release, and 3D interfacial adhesion analysis of bioactive endodontic sealers

“…These sealers have superior adhesion properties with collagen in root dentin compared to mineral trioxide aggregate 4) , zinc oxide eugenol 5) , and calcium hydroxide 6,7) . In addition to conventional materials, bioactive materials have been used in the dental field for their beneficial properties 8) . Incorporation of bioactive particles in conventional sealers can provide the same desired effect of the bioactive materials 9) .…”