Bioglass in dentistry: A comprehensive review of current applications and innovative frontiers

Abstract

Objectives: Bioglass materials have transformed the field of dental biomaterials due to their capacity to facilitate tissue regeneration and repair. The present review aims to provide a concise overview of the major advancements in bioglass applications, with a particular focus on periodontal regeneration, implant coatings, hypersensitivity treatment, and craniofacial bone repair.

Data: Data were collected using the following keywords: Bioglass, Dental applications, Periodontal regeneration, Dental implants, Dentin hypersensitivity, Craniofacial regeneration.

Sources: A comprehensive electronic search was performed using PubMed and Web of Science (WOS) databases. Articles published between 1969 and 2024 were reviewed, with a focus on the synthesis, characterization, and clinical applications of bioglass in dentistry.

Study selection: The inclusion criteria emphasized clinical relevance, evidence of efficacy, and innovation. A priority was placed on studies involving artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted technologies, personalized treatments, regenerative strategies, and emerging applications in digital workflows, with a particular focus on key areas such as periodontology, implantology, and restorative dentistry.

Conclusions: Bioglass, notably 45S5, demonstrates considerable promise across various dental disciplines. It has been demonstrated to enhance bone regeneration in periodontal therapy, improve osseointegration in implants, and reduce hypersensitivity by occluding dentinal tubules. In the domain of craniofacial surgery, bioglass, whether utilized as a standalone graft or in combination with autografts, has been demonstrated to serve as a dependable material for grafting. Recent advancements in the field have encompassed nanocomposites, three-dimensional printing, and the integration of drug delivery systems, yielding encouraging outcomes in both research and clinical translation.

Clinical significance: Bioglass is a versatile bioactive material with the potential to transform clinical dental practice. Advancements in AI have enabled the customized treatment strategies, through predictive modeling, enhanced regenerative outcomes, and optimized material composition, paving the way for patient-specific, minimally invasive regenerative therapies in the field of dentistry.

Keywords: Bioglass; Craniofacial regeneration; Dental applications; Dental implants; Dentin hypersensitivity; Periodontal regeneration.