Bioactive Restorative Materials Research Articles

Bio-active Restorative Materials with Antibacterial Effects

Bio-active Restorative Materials with Antibacterial Effects

Compound changes and tooth mineralization effects of glass ionomer cements containing bioactive glass (S53P4), an in vivo study

In this study, modifications of glass ionomer cements (GICs) were made by adding bioactive glass (BAG) to GIC to obtain bioactive restorative materials. This study used SEM, EDS and visual analysis to examine the bioactivity and the ability of the study materials to mineralize dentin. Conventional cure and resin-modified light-curing GIC were used. The materials consisted of powder and liquid. Three experimental materials were made by mixing 10–30 wt% of BAG powder with GIC powders. Commercially available GIC without BAG were used as controls. Class III restorations were made in altogether 62 intact beagle dog teeth, and the operation was performed under general anesthesia. The restorations were followed clinically for 1, 3 or 6 weeks. Resin-modified GIC containing BAG showed uniform CaP surface formation on the restorations. Mineral depositions in the close vicinity of the restoration–dentin interface and in deeper parts of dentin tubules were also noticed in resin-modified GIC containing BAG particles. It can be concluded that resin-modified GIC containing BAG have good potential in clinical applications where enhanced mineralization is expected.

Painting the future for ART.

The objective of this paper is to review recent research and developments with respect to the atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) approach and to outline future areas of research and development. Areas identified as requiring further investigation include the evaluation of: ART restorations for longer than 3 years duration using recognised evaluation criteria, multi-surface ART restorations, ART restorations in primary teeth and ART sealants. In addition, the possibility and potential dangers of caries remaining after cavity cleaning with hand instruments must be investigated and the findings balanced against the known damage to sound tooth tissue caused by more routine cavity preparation techniques. New bioactive restorative materials which offer the possibility of healing dentinal caries lesions should be developed and evaluated. Finally, behavioural and educational aspects of the ART approach should be investigated.