Bioactive Restorative Materials in Modern Dentistry: Principles, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives

Dr. Mariam Muneer¹, Dr Urmi Reshamdalal^2, , Dr. Vikram Shad³, Dr. Ekta Patel⁴, Dr. Zulekha Yasin⁵, Dr. Ayesha Aijaz⁶ and Dr. Sandeep Singh⁷

¹BDS, Master of Philosophy (MPhil Biochemistry), Jinnah Medical and Dental College JMDC (University of Karachi), Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan

²BDS, Vaidik Dental College and Research Center, Daman, Gujarat, India

³DMD, MPH, BDS, University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA

⁴BDS, CRDH, S.J.M Dental College and Hospital, Chuttradurga, Karnataka India

⁵BDS, Ziauddin College of Dentistry, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan

⁶BDS, Jinnah Sindh Medical University, V22W+F2H Rafiqui H.J., Iqbal Shaheed Rd, Karachi, Pakistan

⁷BDS, MDS, Army College of Dental Sciences, Secunderabad, India

Cite this paper:
Dr. Mariam Muneer, Dr Urmi Reshamdalal, Dr. Vikram Shad, Dr. Ekta Patel, Dr. Zulekha Yasin, Dr. Ayesha Aijaz and Dr. Sandeep Singh. Bioactive Restorative Materials in Modern Dentistry: Principles, Clinical Applications, and Future Perspectives. American Journal of Public Health Research. 2026; 14(4):125-134. doi: 10.12691/ajphr-14-4-7

Abstract

Bioactive restorative materials have transformed restorative dentistry by combining structural restoration with therapeutic functions that promote tissue repair and oral health. Unlike conventional restorative materials, these materials actively interact with the surrounding dental tissues through ion release, remineralization, antibacterial activity, and stimulation of dentin–pulp regeneration. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of bioactivity, classification of bioactive restorative materials, including glass ionomer cements, calcium silicate-based materials, bioactive composite resins, and bioactive ceramics, their mechanisms of action, clinical applications, advantages, limitations, and future developments. Current evidence suggests that bioactive restorative materials improve restoration longevity, reduce the risk of secondary caries, and support minimally invasive and regenerative treatment approaches. However, challenges related to long-term clinical evidence, mechanical properties, and cost remain. Future advances in nanotechnology, smart and self-healing materials, artificial intelligence-assisted material selection, and personalized restorative dentistry are expected to further enhance the clinical performance and therapeutic potential of these materials.

Keywords:
Bioactive restorative materials Remineralization Glass ionomer cement Biodentine Mineral trioxide aggregate Bioactive composites Restorative dentistry

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