Bioactive materials in endodontics

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Endodontic Dentistry
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Endodontic treatments frequently fail due to complex root canal anatomy and the use of potentially harmful filling materials.
• Current root canal filling techniques face challenges in achieving complete obturation and long-term periapical tissue health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate existing and novel biomaterials for endodontic applications.
• To explore the potential of advanced biomaterials as root canal fillers, drug-delivery vehicles, and scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on biomaterials used in endodontics.
• Evaluation of calcium hydroxide, mineral trioxide aggregate, calcium phosphate ceramics, and cements.
• Focus on injectable bone substitutes and injectable calcium phosphate cements.

Main Results:

• Traditional biomaterials like calcium hydroxide and mineral trioxide aggregate have limitations.
• Injectable bone substitutes and calcium phosphate cements exhibit favorable biocompatibility, bioactivity, and rheological properties.
• These novel materials present potential as advanced root canal fillers.

Conclusions:

• Injectable calcium phosphate cements and bone substitutes are promising alternatives for endodontic filling materials.
• These biomaterials offer potential for use as drug-delivery systems and scaffolds in pulp tissue engineering.
• Further research into these advanced materials could significantly improve endodontic treatment success and regenerative capabilities.