Bioactive Materials for Direct and Indirect Restorations: Concepts and Applications

Abstract

Currently, minimally invasive restorations could be made in dentistry applying adhesive materials and adhesion principles to the dental structures. Following this philosophy, endodontic interventions have been avoided largely, preserving hard tissues, and maintaining dental vitality. Advances in biologically favorable bioactive materials enabled clinicans to induce repair and regeneration of dental tissues. Such materials are primarily used for pulp protection and cementation of indirect restorations. This review highlights current bioactive materials available, principles of bioactivity and their mechanisms of action.

Isolation and Identification of Cytotoxic Compounds Present in Biomaterial Life®

“…This study also highlights the utility of chemical techniques for developing and evaluating biomaterials, which have often a complex constitution with dozens of components [ 32 , 33 , 34 ]. Additionally, chemical reactions occur during their manipulation, application, and later when in contact with the living tissues [ 19 , 35 , 36 ]. This can lead to the emergence of different chemical agents, which need to be identified and evaluated to ensure safety.…”

“…The mixture of these two pastes triggers chemical reactions that lead to calcium disalicylate complexes, which form the basis of this cement [ 17 , 18 ]. As the biomaterial Life ® presents some interesting properties and is still widely used in clinical practice [ 19 ], it is very relevant to understand the causes of its diminished biocompatibility. We hypothesize that there is a component, other than calcium salts, that is responsible for Life ® ’s cytotoxicity.…”

An Evaluation of Experimental Calcium Ion-Leachable Nanocomposite Glass Ionomer Cements

“…The addition of resin monomers alters the mechanism of reaction, where photo-polymerization occurs via light activation [2,4]. Resin-modified GICs are characterized not only by the maintenance of conventional GICs' advantages, but also by their ease of handling, improvement in mechanical properties, and prevention against secondary caries [2,6,16], thus being an improved clinical alternative of conventional GICs [6].…”

“…The application of nanotechnology to restorative dental materials could further reinforce not only their bioactivity [16], but also their mechanical, esthetic, and handling properties, as well as their wear resistance [25][26][27][28]. Clay minerals with a nanostructure such as montmorillonite (MMT) have become increasingly popular in dentistry.…”

Engineering a new generation of thermoset self-healing polymers based on intrinsic approaches

“…Restorative dental materials capable of autonomously responding and healing microcracks have emerged as alternatives to prevent premature fracture and overcome the limited service life of dental restorations. 1 Inspired by the healing processes of living organisms, different strategies have been designed to enable thermosetting polymers to inhibit the propagation of cracks resulting from masticatory forces and thermal stress. In general, there are 2 main categories of self-healing dental polymers: extrinsic and intrinsic.…”