How are bioactive ceramics shaping the future of dentin hypersensitivity management through glass ionomer cements and laser therapy?

Abstract

Restorative dentistry comprises approaches to repair the tooth structure or manage conditions like dentin hypersensitivity, which all require biomaterials. Restorative clinical approaches are primarily based on bioactive materials, such as glass-ionomer cement (GIC) and resin-modified glass-ionomer cement (RMGIC). Although these cements show in vivo bioactivity, it is possible to increase their bioactive behavior, fastening and increasing the establishment of chemical bonds between the tooth and the cement, decreasing the risk of failure. Here, we reported how bioactive ceramics have been used to treat dentin hypersensitivity, either by being directly applied to the dentin, modifying GIC and RMGIC, or combined with other therapeutic approaches like laser therapy. Overall, bioactive ceramics have improved the bonding of composites to mineralized tooth structures, which is desired in restorative dentistry, and in some cases, they are likely to replace restorative with regenerative approaches.