Comparative Effects of Experimental Bioactive Glasses on Dentin Permeability and Tubule Occlusion In Vitro

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Dental Materials Science
• Nanotechnology in Dentistry

Background:

• Dentin hypersensitivity is a common clinical condition.
• Dentin fluid flow and hydraulic conductance are key indicators of dentinal tubule patency.
• Bioactive glasses show potential for dentinal tubule occlusion.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the in vitro effects of experimental bioactive glass solutions on dentinal fluid flow and hydraulic conductance.
• To assess the efficacy of different bioactive glass formulations in occluding dentinal tubules.
• To determine the stability of these effects under simulated oral demineralizing conditions.

Main Methods:

• Bovine dentin blocks were treated with five different agents: control, Bioglass® 45S5, Bioglass® F18, Biosilicate gel, and Desensibilize Nano P.
• Treatments were applied daily for 15 days.
• Dentinal fluid flow and hydraulic conductance were measured before and after treatment and a citric acid challenge. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used for surface analysis.

Main Results:

• All bioactive glass agents reduced dentinal fluid flow and hydraulic conductance compared to the control group.
• Bioglass® 45S5 and Bioglass® F18 exhibited the lowest fluid flow and conductance values post-application.
• While all groups showed reduced values after acid challenge, Bioglass® 45S5 and Bioglass® F18 maintained lower values, indicating superior stability.

Conclusions:

• Bioactive glass-based desensitizing agents effectively reduce dentinal fluid flow and hydraulic conductance, suggesting dentinal tubule occlusion.
• Bioglass® 45S5 and Bioglass® F18 demonstrated the most promising and stable performance in occluding dentinal tubules, even after an acid challenge.
• These findings suggest the potential of Bioglass® 45S5 and Bioglass® F18 for managing dentin hypersensitivity.