Bioactive materials for management of pulp pathology in primary and young permanent teeth

SUMMARY
Bioactive materials have recently emerged as a very promising new group of materials with enhanced properties and better biological responses from the surrounding tissues. In dentistry, their main application is for management of pulp pathology. The aim of this presentation is to discuss: a) the mechanism of action b) the scientific documentation for the clinical use of bioactive materials in primary and young permanent teeth and c) their application in daily clinical practice.
Bioactivity is the property of a material to promote the formation of an apatite-like compound when immersed in simulated body fluid for a specific time period. Although bioactivity is an important part of the material’s properties, its clinical performance remains paramount for its use in dental practice. To date, the classic MTA is the material that has been used mostly for vital pulp therapy (indirect and direct pulp capping, pulpotomy) and for endodontic treatment in teeth with incomplete root formation. Numerous other materials (BioAggregate, Biodentine, BioRoot RCS, calcium-enriched mixture cement, Endo-CPM, Endocem, EndoSequence, EndoBinder, EndoSeal MTA, iRoot, MicroMega MTA, MTA Bio, MTA Fillapex, MTA Plus, OoMTA, NeoM Quick-Set, RetroMTA, Tech Biosealer and TheraCal LC) are reported to have similar properties to MTA without its drawbacks. Existing studies on the use of these materials show good results but it must be noted that several of them have methodological shortcomings. Their use in children, adolescents and young adults has impressive results, however the choice of the materials and the techniques used should always follow international protocols.