"BIOACTIVE GLASS" - A REGENERATING SHIFT IN PROSTHODONTICS.

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Bioactive glass (BAG), introduced by Hench in the late 1960s, is a novel biomaterial capable of forming a direct chemical bond with bone through hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA) formation. Its ion-releasing, osteoconductive, and antimicrobial properties make it highly relevant in prosthodontics for both hard and soft tissue regeneration.

Aim

To review the composition, mechanism of action, properties, applications, and future scope of bioactive glass in prosthodontics.

Materials and Methodology

An electronic literature search was conducted through Medline via PubMed, Wiley Online library, EBSCOhost, Science Direct, as well as the Google Scholar between January 2010 and March 2025 using the keywords: Bioactive glass, Prosthodontics, Osseointegration, Dental implants, Tissue regeneration, Bone graft substitute, Antimicrobial biomaterials, Remineralization, Maxillofacial prosthetics, Smart biomaterials.

Results

A total of 47 articles initially found and after removal of duplicates and reading the titles and abstracts 9 articles were excluded from the study, finally 14 articles were included in this review study.

Conclusion

Bioactive glass is a versatile, biocompatible, and regenerative biomaterial with broad prosthodontic applications. Its ability to promote bone bonding, enhance healing, and provide antimicrobial protection makes it a valuable adjunct in modern prosthetic rehabilitation. Emerging technologies such as nanomodification, gene-activated scaffolds, and additive manufacturing will further expand its role in personalized regenerative dentistry.

Keywords: Bioactive glass, Prosthodontics, Osseointegration, Dental implants, Tissue regeneration, Bone graft substitute, Antimicrobial biomaterials, Remineralization, Maxillofacial prosthetics, Smart biomaterials.