Comparative Analysis of Different Inorganic Fillers in Enhancing Bioactivity in Dental Resin – A Review

This review synthesizes research on "Comparative analysis of different inorganic fillers in enhancing bio-active properties of dental composite resin" to address the need for restorative materials that combine mechanical integrity with antibacterial and remineralization functions. The review aimed to evaluate antibacterial and remineralization capabilities, benchmark mechanical enhancements, analyze ion release and cytocompatibility, assess filler characteristics, and compare long-term stability of bioactive dental composites. A systematic analysis of in vitro studies employing diverse bioactive fillers including doped hydroxyapatite, bioactive glasses, calcium phosphate, and fluoride- doped nanoparticles was conducted, focusing on antibacterial efficacy, ion release kinetics, mechanical performance, biocompatibility, and aging under simulated oral conditions. Findings indicate that doped hydroxyapatite and customized bioactive glasses provide significant antibacterial activity and sustained ion release promoting remineralization while maintaining cytocompatibility. Mechanical properties are generally preserved or enhanced with optimized filler type, size, and surface modification, though high filler loadings may reduce strength and polymerization efficiency. Nanoparticle fillers improve bioactivity stability and mechanical performance, but dispersion challenges persist. Aging studies reveal that composites with tailored bioactive fillers exhibit superior mechanical stability and sustained bioactivity compared to conventional materials. These results underscore the critical interplay between filler composition, morphology, and surface treatment in achieving multifunctional dental composites.