The Advent of Bioactive Materials in Dentistry: A Review

Bioactive materials are revolutionizing oral health care and the quest for newer materials is never ending especially in the field of dental science. Research on biomaterials intensely involves interdisciplinary contributions from several major areas and requires extensive knowledge in medical science, materials science, biochemistry, biomedical engineering and clinical science. They are broadly used in the field of conservative dentistry and periodontics for regeneration, repair and reconstruction by acting directly on the vital tissue inducing its healing and repair through induction of various growth factors and different cells. This article reviews on the properties and clinical application of newer bioactive materials in endodontics and periodontics, with primary focus on the biocompatibility and tissue response to these materials.