Bioactive Materials in Dentistry – A Narrative Review of the Literature

Bioactive dental materials are increasingly utilized in restorative dentistry because they interact beneficially with biological tissues. These materials, including bioceramics, calcium phosphates, and bioactive glasses, exhibit biocompatibility, bioactivity, and the ability to promote tissue regeneration. The FDI Policy Statement emphasizes that bioactive materials should have local, intended, and non-toxic effects without compromising their primary function of dental tissue replacement. Recent systematic reviews and studies have explored the bioactivity of various restorative materials, including resin composites and resin cements, which often incorporate additives like bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite. These materials can induce hydroxyapatite formation, release therapeutic ions, and promote remineralization at the dentin-material interface. Calcium silicate-based materials, such as mineral trioxide aggregate and Biodentine, are particularly noted for their use in endodontics and pulp therapy due to their excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity. These materials can set in moist environments and promote dentin bridge formation, making them suitable for vital pulp therapy and root-end fillings. Despite their advantages, the mechanical properties of bioactive materials can be a concern, and their clinical benefits are still being evaluated, particularly for resin-based composites. Ongoing research aims to optimize these materials' physical and mechanical properties to enhance their clinical performance and longevity. Bioactive dental materials significantly advance restorative dentistry, offering potential benefits in tissue regeneration and caries prevention. However, further clinical studies are needed to establish their long-term effectiveness and fully establish guidelines for their use.