Application of bioactive glasses in various dental fields

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Bioceramics
• Dental Materials

Background:

• Bioactive glasses are bioceramic materials with high biocompatibility, antimicrobial properties, and bioactivity, making them valuable in medicine and dentistry.
• Approved bioactive glasses, like Bioglass, mimic bone's calcium and phosphate content, ensuring excellent biocompatibility.
• Their applications span periodontics, orthodontics, endodontics, oral surgery, and restorative dentistry, with some oral care products incorporating them.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the diverse applications of bioactive glasses in dentistry.
• To highlight the need for sustainable and accessible sources of bioactive glasses.
• To introduce marine sponges as a novel and abundant source for bioactive glass extraction.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of bioactive glass applications in various dental fields.
• Exploration of marine sponges as a source of biosilica for bioactive glass production.
• Analysis of marine sponge's mineral content for suitability in bioactive glass synthesis.

Main Results:

• Bioactive glasses are extensively used in dentistry for implants, periodontal disease treatment, root canal therapy, maxillofacial surgery, restorations, and addressing dentin hypersensitivity.
• Marine sponges, particularly those found in regions like the Persian Gulf, are rich in biosilica.
• The mineral composition of marine sponge skeletons makes them a viable natural resource for extracting bioactive glasses.

Conclusions:

• Bioactive glasses are indispensable in modern dentistry due to their versatile therapeutic properties.
• Sustainable sourcing of bioactive glasses is crucial given their widespread dental applications.
• Marine sponges present a promising, eco-friendly, and abundant source for the production of bioactive glasses, addressing supply needs.