Bioactivity In Restorative Dentistry: A User’s Guide

by Fay Goldstep, DDS, FACD, FADFE

Introduction
The word “bioactivity” is one of the latest buzzwords in the dentistry. It is highlighted as a feature in many restorative products with different and conflicting claims. This has stirred up confusion and controversy surrounding the concept. This article will attempt to provide clarity for the practicing restorative dentist: What is bioactivity? What are bioactive products? How can they be used to provide the best dental care?

The term “bioactive material” originated with Dr. Larry Hench in 1969. He was looking for an improved graft material for bone reconstruction needed by injured returning soldiers of the Viet Nam war. Hench was searching for a material that could form a living bond with tissues in the body. The body rejected all the available materials at the time. He developed bioglass (calcium silicophosphate glass), a completely synthetic material that chemically bonds to bone.1

Hench defined a bioactive material as “one that elicits a specific biological response at the interface of a material which results in the formation of a bond between the tissues and the material”.2

Today there are many different definitions of bioactivity found in the dental literature, dependant on the research and on the researcher. The definition fits the research, whereas it should fit the concept. To achieve clarity of meaning, it is best to go with what can be most easily understood by clinicians and patients alike – the definition found in the dictionary:

Bioactivity: Noun – any effect on, interaction with, or response from living tissue

Historically dental materials were designed to have a “neutral” effect on the tooth.3 Many current dental materials are not neutral. They are “active”, not “passive”, participants in the restorative process. New materials are being developed to harness this potential behavior. These are “bioactive” materials.

For simplification and clarity in discussing bioactive restorative materials it is best to separate them according to their mechanism of action. There are three separate mechanisms that are demonstrated by bioactive restorative materials.

A bioactive restorative material can display one or more of the following actions:

1. Remineralizes and strengthens tooth structure through fluoride release and/or the release of other minerals.

2. Forms an apatite-like material on its surface when
immersed in body fluid or simulated body fluid (SBF) over time.4

3. Regenerates live tissue to promote vitality in the tooth.

Table 1 lists some examples of bioactive restorative materials by their mechanism of action.

Some examples of bioactive restorative materials by their mechanism of action, bioactivity increasing with each mechanism as you go down. Materials that remineralize, only remineralize. Materials that deposit hydroxyapatite also remineralize. Materials that stimulate pulpal regeneration also remineralize and deposit hydroxyapatite.

Some examples of bioactive restorative materials by their mechanism of action, bioactivity increasing with each mechanism as you go down. Materials that remineralize, only remineralize. Materials that deposit hydroxyapatite also remineralize. Materials that stimulate pulpal regeneration also remineralize and deposit hydroxyapatite.

MATERIALS THAT REMINERALIZE

Dental decay is the cumulative result of consecutive cycles of demineralization and remineralization at the interface between biofilm and the tooth surface. Oral bacteria excrete acid after consuming sugar, leading to demineralization. Hydroxyapatite crystals are dissolved from the subsurface. Remineralization is the natural repair process for non-cavitated lesions. It relies on calcium and phosphate ions, assisted by fluoride, to rebuild a new surface on the existing crystal remnants in the subsurface.5

Under normal physiological conditions at pH7, saliva is
supersaturated with calcium and phosphate ions, making caries progress slow. As the pH is lowered, higher concentrations of calcium and phosphate are required to reach saturation with respect to hydroxyapatite.5 This is called the “critical pH”, the point where equilibrium exists and there is no mineral dissolution and no mineral precipitation. The critical pH of hydroxyapatite is around 5.5 and that of fluorapatite is around 4.5. This varies with individual patients. Below critical pH, demineralization occurs while above critical pH, remineralization occurs (Figs. 1 & 2).43

Figure 1

Cycling of oral pH during cariogenic challenges in naturally occurring hydroxyapatite.

Cycling of oral pH during cariogenic challenges in naturally occurring hydroxyapatite.

Figure 2

Cycling of oral pH during cariogenic challenges in fluoridated hydroxyapatite.

Cycling of oral pH during cariogenic challenges in fluoridated hydroxyapatite.

If fluoride is present in the plaque fluid, it will penetrate the enamel, along with the acids at the subsurface, adsorb to the apatite crystal surface and protect the crystals from dissolution.6 This coating makes the crystals similar to fluorapatite (critical pH of 4.5), ensuring that no demineralization takes place until the pH reaches this point. Fluoride present in solution at low levels among the enamel crystals can markedly decrease demineralization.7,8

When the pH returns to 5.5 or above, the saliva which is supersaturated with calcium and phosphate, forces minerals back into the tooth.8 Fluoride increases remineralzation by bringing calcium and phosphate ions together and is also preferentially incorporated into the remineralized surface, which is now more acid resistant.

The benefits of fluoride are maintained long-term through the mechanism of fluoride reservoirs. Fluoride is retained intraorally after fluoride treatments such as fluoridated toothpaste and fluoride varnish application and is then released into the saliva over time.9,10 Fluoride can remain on teeth, mucosa, dental plaque or within bioactive restorative
materials
. Fluoride retention is clinically beneficial since it can be released during cariogenic challenges to decrease demineralization and enhance remineralization.5

When the enamel and dentin no longer have adequate structure to maintain their mineral framework, cavitation takes place and simple remineralization is an insufficient treatment. Tooth preparation and restoration are now required. Bioactive restorative materials replace dental hard tissues and help to remineralize the remaining dental structures. Glass ionomer cements and their derivatives, such as resin modified glass ionomers, compomers and giomers, fall into this category.

Glass Ionomer Cements

Glass ionomer cements were developed in the early 1970s. They are particularly valuable for caries control in high caries risk patients and in areas where location or isolation create restorative challenges (Fig. 3). Glass ionomers have a true chemical bond with dental tissue. They encourage remineralization of the surrounding tooth structure and prevent bacterial microleakage through ion-exchange adhesion with both enamel and dentin.11 A new, ion-enriched layer is created at the tooth-glass ionomer interface. This layer contains phosphate and calcium ions from the dental tissues, and calcium (or strontium), phosphate and aluminum from the glass ionomer cement.11 The remineralization process creates a harder dentin surface (Fig. 4).12,43 Restoration fracture is usually cohesive, leaving the ion exchange layer firmly attached to the cavity wall. The dentinal tubules are sealed and protected from bacterial penetration.13

Figure 3

Examples of glass ionomers, Riva Self Cure (SDI) and Equia Forte (GC). These are bioactive materials that remineralize.

 

Figure 3B

Examples of glass ionomers, Riva Self Cure (SDI) and Equia Forte (GC). These are bioactive materials that remineralize.

Examples of glass ionomers, Riva Self Cure (SDI) and Equia Forte (GC). These are bioactive materials that remineralize.

Figure 4

Glass ionomers create an ion enriched harder dentin surface adjacent to the glass ionomer surface.

Glass ionomers create an ion enriched harder dentin surface adjacent to the glass ionomer surface.

To eliminate the physical property disadvantages of glass ionomers and harness their remineralizing benefits, dental researchers have produced an assortment of glass ionomers derivatives: resin modified glass ionomers, compomers and giomers.

Two product lines in this category are: Activa BioACTIVE Restorative (Pulpdent, Watertown, MA) (Fig. 5) and the Beautifil giomer family of restorative materials including Beautifil II and Beautifil Flow Plus (Shofu Dental, San Marcos, CA) (Fig. 6). Studies have shown Activa’s remineralization potential through fluoride release and recharge and calcium release.14,15 Giomers are used in restorative dentistry as equivalent to composite resin, in all their applications.

Figure 5

Activa BioACTIVE Restorative (Pulpdent) is a bioactive restorative material that remineralizes.

Activa BioACTIVE Restorative (Pulpdent) is a bioactive restorative material that remineralizes.

Figure 6

The Beautifil giomer family of restorative materials including Beautifil II and Beautifil Flow Plus (Shofu Dental) are bioactive restorative materials that remineralize.

The Beautifil giomer family of restorative materials including Beautifil II and Beautifil Flow Plus (Shofu Dental) are bioactive restorative materials that remineralize.

Giomers

Giomers represent the hybridization of glass ionomer and composite resin properties: the fluoride release and recharge of glass ionomers and the esthetics, physical properties, and handling of composite resins.16

The giomer concept in based on PRG (Pre-Reacted Glass) technology: a glass core, surrounded by a glass ionomer phase enclosed within a polyacid matrix. Studies show dentin remineralization occurs at the preparation surface adjacent to the giomer. 17

Giomers, through the creation of fluoride reservoirs, release and recharge fluoride efficiently, significantly better than compomers18 and composite resins, although not as well as glass ionomers.19 The clinical performance of giomers has been tested against those of hybrid resin composites. Giomers have been found to compare positively for all criteria.20

MATERIALS THAT DEPOSIT HYDROXYAPATITE

Some bioactive materials not only remineralize by adding minerals to tooth structure but also create an apatite-like material on their surfaces when immersed in body fluid or simulated body fluid (SBF) over time.4

There are two chemical classes of these bioactive restorative materials: calcium silicates and calcium aluminates.21,22

These materials are non-resin based. Both materials set with an acid-base reaction, and produce an alkaline pH after setting. High pH levels (7.5 or higher) appear to stimulate more active and complete bioactivity.4

Ceramir (Doxa Dental, Uppsala, Sweden) (Fig. 7) is a calcium aluminate material developed for cementation. An in vitro study found that this apatite-forming bioactive cement can occlude artificial marginal gaps. This is beneficial clinically at the margin of the prepared tooth and cemented restoration. It suggests that bioactive dental materials may significantly improve clinical outcomes and longevity of dental restorations.23

Calcium silicates have also been shown to deposit hydroxyapatite.23 Even more importantly, they can stimulate the regeneration of live tissue – dentin, pulp, blood vessels and bone.24,25,26

Figure 7

Ceramir (Doxa Dental) is a bioactive cement that remineralizes and deposits hydroxyapatite.

Ceramir (Doxa Dental) is a bioactive cement that remineralizes and deposits hydroxyapatite.

MATERIALS THAT CAN REGENERATE LIVE TISSUE

Some bioactive materials not only remineralize and form hydroxyapatite but also regenerate live tissue. This is crucial in many restorative as well as pulp related treatments. One major example is vital pulp therapy.

The goal of vital pulp therapy (direct pulp capping and pulpotomy) is to treat reversible pulpal injury arising from trauma, caries or restorative dentistry. These injuries destroy the normal tissue architecture at the pulp-dentin interface but can be healed if the wound is properly protected.27

Treatment must maintain pulp vitality and function and restore dentin continuity below the injury through hard tissue bridge formation.28 Optimal quality of this hard tissue bridge is essential to the long-term success of vital pulp therapy.29,30 There is a pulp tissue specific response to the capping material and this determines the quality of the dentin bridge.28

Calcium hydroxide products have been used in vital pulp therapy for many years. The ability of calcium hydroxide to promote dentin bridge formation and enhance wound healing is well established.31 However, calcium hydroxide has inadequate physical properties and produces poorly formed dentinal bridges containing tunnels.32 This has directed research to seek out new materials for this therapy.

The first of these materials created for practical clinical use was mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA).33 MTA was originally developed as a root end filling material for apicoectomy procedures and to repair root perforations.34 Indications for use have expanded broadly within restorative dentistry and pedodontics.21

MTA is a calcium silicate based material (derived from Portland cement) with high sealing ability and excellent biocompatibility. MTA-based materials stimulate faster formation of dentinal bridges that are of better quality than those of calcium hydroxide.35,36 Since the mid-1990s, MTA has been recognized as the standard in conservative pulp vitality treatments.37

MTA-based materials have limitations however:

• Long setting time, weak mechanical properties and difficult handling38

• May produce tooth discolouration39

• May contain heavy metals40

Much research has followed to build on the advantages of MTA while eliminating most of the disadvantages. One such material is Biodentine (Septodont, Lancaster, PA) (Fig. 8). It was formulated by taking MTA-based endodontic repair cement technology, improving its physical and handling properties, and creating a dentin replacement material with significant reparative qualities.

Figure 8

Biodentine (Septodont) is a bioactive restorative material that remineralizes, deposits hydroxyapatite and regenerates live tissue.

Biodentine (Septodont) is a bioactive restorative material that remineralizes, deposits hydroxyapatite and regenerates live tissue.

Biodentine can be used as a complete dentin replacement material to treat damaged dentin both in the crown and the root with clinical indications that exceed those of MTA and other related Portland cement calcium silicate products.21

Biodentine can be used as a:

• Cavity base/liner in deep carious lesions

• Pulp capping agent in vital pulp therapy (both direct pulp capping and pulpotomy)

• Root repair material for perforations, resorptions, apexification and root end filling. material in endodontic surgery

• Restorative material to replace missing or defective dentin It cannot be used to replace enamel.

The advantages of Biodentine over MTA and modified MTA materials include:

• Ease of handling, high viscosity, shorter setting time (12 minutes)

•Better physical properties41

• Composition containing raw materials with known degree of purity42

• Good colour stability so there is no discolouration43

Biodentine is a tricalcium silicate based material. Its mechanical properties compare to those of dentin and it can be used as a dentin substitute in both the crown and root.44,45,46 It stimulates deposition of hydroxyapatite when exposed to tissue fluids.47 It is nontoxic as tested on human pulp cells.48 Studies have shown complete dentinal bridge formation after six weeks in human teeth.49

Biodentine provides a hermetic seal that protects the dental pulp by preventing bacterial infiltration. This creates a
protected environment where healing can take place. The seal is created through micromechanical retention by infiltrating the dentin tubules as well as by stimulating odontoblasts to deposit dentin.25

It is the calcium releasing ability of pulp-capping materials that induces pulp tissue regeneration. Tricalcium silicate based materials like Biodentine produce calcium hydroxide as a product of hydration.50

The calcium silicate setting reaction is as follows:

2(3CaO.SiO2) + 6H2O   ⎝ 3CaO.2SiO2.3H2O   +    3Ca(OH)2

calcium trisilicate hydrated calcium calcium silicate gelhydroxide

Calcium silicate in the powder interacts with water, leading to the setting and hardening of the cement. This produces hydrated calcium silicate gel and calcium hydroxide. Calcium hydroxide can now stimulate pulp regeneration within a gel-like material that is strong and not porous; this harnesses the regenerative powers of calcium hydroxide without its physical disadvantages.

Biodentine in vital pulp therapy, through the action of calcium hydroxide in this enhanced physical state, boosts the deposition of reparatory dentin by odontoblasts. This creates a dense dentin barrier,51,52 as well as healing damaged pulp fibroblasts.53 Clinical results confirm Biodentine’s ability to preserve pulp vitality even in very difficult cases. It has the potential to heal pulps, avoiding what may have been inevitable endodontic involvement in the past.

Resin Modified Calcium Silicates

Studies have shown that the presence of a resin matrix modifies the setting mechanism and calcium leaching of calcium silicates.54 A partial pulpotomy clinical study compared TheraCal (Bisco, Schaumburg, IL), a light-cured, resin modified calcium silicate base/liner designed for direct and indirect pulp capping, with non-resin containing materials, Biodentine and ProRoot MTA (Dentsply Sirona, York, PA). Results showed Biodentine with complete dentinal bridge formation in all teeth. The rates for bridge formation were 56% for ProRoot MTA and 11% for TheraCal.55 Normal pulp organization was seen in 66.6% of the teeth in the Biodentine group, 33.3 % of the ProRoot MTA group and 11.1% of the TheraCal group.

The study concluded that the non-resin based partial pulpotomy materials perform better than the resin based materials and present potential for the best clinical outcomes.55

Another recent study compared Biodentine with TheraCal with respect to how they each affect inflammation and regeneration of the pulp in a direct pulp capping in vitro model. TheraCal was shown to increase inflammatory cells and decrease the regenerative processes of the pulp whereas Biodentine did not increase inflammation and supported the regenerative processes of the pulp.56

These two studies seem to suggest caution in using resin based materials for vital pulp therapy. Biodentine has good biocompatibility and bioactivity for use in vital pulp therapy.

Calcium Silicates as Endodontic Sealers

The ability to deposit hydroxyapatite and regenerate live tissue has brought calcium silicate technology into the scope of endodontic sealers. After obturation there is generally contact between the obturating materials and the periapical tissues. The success of treatment greatly depends on the integrity of the obturated seal to prevent recurrent infection of the periapical space.

The introduction of bioactive endodontic sealers has changed the concept of obturated seal from hermetic sealing with inert materials to biological bonding with bioactivity.57 The sealer becomes a filler, not only a sealer.

Calcium silicates are well suited to endodontic obturation due to the following properties:58

• High pH (anti-bacterial)

• Hydrophilic (use moisture present in dentinal tubules to initiate set)

• Biocompatible

• Do not shrink or resorb

• Excellent seal (bond chemically and mechanically to dentin)

• Ease of use (can be used with many methods of condensation)

And they are bioactive:

• Remineralize hard tissue

• Deposit HA to improve the seal over time

• Regenerate and heal surrounding periapical tissue

BioRoot (Septodont, Lancaster, PA) (Fig. 9) has been developed to incorporate these bioactive traits.

Figure 9

BioRoot (Septodont) is a bioactive endodontic sealer that remineralizes, deposits hydroxyapatite and regenerates live tissue.

BioRoot (Septodont) is a bioactive endodontic sealer that remineralizes, deposits hydroxyapatite and regenerates live tissue.

Research has shown:

Hydroxyapatite formation upon setting reaction – Bioceramic sealers bond to dentin through the process of alkaline etching. This is due to the alkalinity of the sealer. A mineral infiltration zone develops between the dentin and the sealer.59

Tissue healing – A study that compared the effects of BioRoot RCS on human PDL (periodontal ligament) cells with the standard zinc oxide eugenol based root canal sealer, Pulp Canal Sealer (Kerr Dental, Orange, CA) showed BioRoot to have fewer toxic effects on PDL cells and it induced greater secretion of angiogenic and osteogenic growth factors. These properties are essential in periapical tissue regeneration.60,61 BioRoot also showed excellent biocompatibility when compared with many other contemporary endodontic sealers.62

Conclusion

With a bit of simplicity and focus on the essentials of bioactivity in dentistry it becomes clear – bioactivity is now an essential part of the practice of clinical dentistry. Dentists can now harness the potential to remineralize, generate tooth material and heal biological structures for their ultimate objective – attaining the best possible clinical outcomes for their patients. OH

Oral Health welcomes this original article.

Disclaimer: Dr Goldstep has received an honorarium from Septodont.

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Dr. Fay Goldstep has lectured nationally and internationally on Proactive/Minimal Intervention Dentistry, Soft-Tissue Lasers, Electronic Caries Detection, Healing Dentistry and Innovations in Hygiene. She has been a contributing author to four textbooks and has published more than 60 articles. She sits on the editorial board of Oral Health. Dentistry Today has listed her as one of the leaders in continuing education since 2002. Dr. Goldstep is a consultant to a number of dental companies, and maintains a private practice in Richmond Hill, Ontario. She can be reached at goldstep@epdot.com.


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