Bioactive glass for bone reconstruction and osseointegration of dental implants

Abstract

Introduction: Bioactive glasses (BGs) are highly active materials capable of inducing positive regulation of osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, promoting the formation of a biologically active layer similar to bone, called hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA). The formation of this layer is directly related to bone bonding and bone neoformation. Objective: To present and discuss the biological properties of bioactive glasses and their main applications in implant dentistry and dental practice. Material and method: This is a literature review based on in vivo studies, animal models, clinical trials, and evidence accumulated over more than 35 years of clinical application of bioactive glasses in dentistry. Result: Studies show that BGs have properties of bioactivity, biocompatibility, bone remodeling, and antimicrobial action. In implant dentistry, commercial BGs have been widely used in bone grafts and augmentations, with positive results in bone formation. In addition, the use of BGs as a coating for titanium or zirconia dental implants has shown improvement in osseointegration, with favorable responses from osteoblastic and fibroblastic cells. BGs have also demonstrated the ability to interfere with the adhesion and growth of bacterial biofilm. Conclusion: Based on the available evidence, bioactive glasses show high potential for dental applications, especially in implant dentistry, due to their osteogenic and antimicrobial properties, and are considered promising materials for current and future clinical practice.