bioactive glasses in dentistry: a review

bioactive glasses are silicate-based and can form a strong chemical bond with the tissues. these biomaterials are highly biocompatible and can form a hydroxyapatite layer when implanted in the body or soaked in the simulated body fluid. due to several disadvantages, conventional glass processing method including melting of glass components, is replaced by sol-gel method with a large number of benefits such as low processing temperature, higher purity and homogeneity and therefore better control of bioactivity. bioactive glasses have a wide range of applications, particularly in dentistry. these glasses can be used as particulates or monolithic shapes and porous or dense constructs in different applications such as remineralization or hypersensitivity treatment. some properties of bioactive glasses such as antibacterial properties can be promoted by adding different elements into the glass. bioactive glasses can also be used to modify different biocompatible materials that need to be bioactive. this study reviews the significant developments of bioactive glasses in clinical application, especially dentistry. furthermore, we will discuss the field of bioactive glasses from beginning to the current developments, which includes processing methods, applications, and properties of these glasses.