Biomaterials have always been used for the replacement, repair and regeneration of dental hard tissues. As the research continues, there is a significant development in the field of dental materials in terms of either developing new materials or improving the performance of the existing materials. Contrary to the development of bioinert materials, the recent hard tissue research has witnessed the development and subsequent applications of bioactive materials, a hallmark of which is the development of bioactive glass. Originally discovered in 1969, bioactive glasses have provided a reliable alternative to inert implant materials by virtue of their ability to form a stable bond with host tissues and induce subsequent remineralization especially of the dental hard tissues. This article comprehensively reviews the early development, chronological applications and mechanism of action of bioactive glasses in general and briefly encompasses their applications in clinical dentistry.
Key words: Bio-active, Bioinert, Biocompatible, Glass, Dental regeneration, Bone bonding
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