Abstract
In the pursuit of better treatments, the concept of a chemically-active material, responding to local conditions by causing reactions, or reacting to produce substances that are deemed beneficial, seems laudable. Ultimately, the goal appears to be to recruit natural biological processes such that a natural ‘repair’ is effected. This goal seems to be the reason for prefixing “bio-” to many terms with a view to advertising the desire, yet without presenting evidence that it has occurred, or indeed that it is capable of occurring, relying instead on non-biological processes to justify the claims. The dogma is such that all work where local ‘responsive’ chemistry is involved must receive the label “bioactive” to legitimize and promote. Nevertheless, the primary evidence adduced is flawed, and the claim must fail. A rethink to restore scientific sense and confidence in the endeavour is essential if real progress is to be made.
Highlights
OvertureDentistry has evolved through a progression of emphasis, largely dependent on the state of knowledge of anatomy and physiology, but controlled by the technology available
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Dentistry has evolved through a progression of emphasis, largely dependent on the state of knowledge of anatomy and physiology, but controlled by the technology available
Summary
Dentistry has evolved through a progression of emphasis, largely dependent on the state of knowledge of anatomy and physiology, but controlled by the technology available. Despite the increasing emphasis on prevention (but with a long way to go), the development of fillings and related treatments has in the recent few decades made important progress At this point I am breaking off for a moment to explain why I did not use the word ‘restoration’ instead of what is increasingly seen as an old-fashioned and outdated term, ‘filling’, and give a cue for what follows. Various other interventions in bone are necessary, whether arising from disease, surgery, or developmental problems, in order to provide function and anatomy, and permit the use of dental implants This kind of activity extends naturally to the general maxillofacial context, most dramatically in facial reconstruction. It is here that we run into another weasel word—bioactivity
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