Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
pulp. Therefore, it is coherent with the observation that occluded tubules can treat and reduce den-
tinal sensitivity
[55,57,58]
. Occlusion of dentinal tubules is an approach currently used in the treat-
ment of dentin hypersensitivity, and numerous products using active ingredients may occlude the
dentinal tubule. Although there are advantages on the use of products in terms of availability and
cost to the consumer, a great disadvantage is the time. They may take up to 2
4 weeks for efficacy
of the relief symptoms
[58]
.
The majority of the bioactive glasses used today are based on the original composition developed
by Hench et al.
[4]
. Silica is the key component of bioactive glass, and acts as a nucleation site for the
precipitation of calcium and phosphate ions in the formation of HA. Research indicates that bioactive
glass nanoparticles induce formation of apatite in dentin, indicating that it is a potential material to
be used for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. The occlusion of dentin tubules may reduce or
eliminate hypersensitivity by restricting dentinal fluid movement. This process of remineralization of
dentin tubes is quicker when using products with bioactive glass nanoparticles, since the larger surface
area associated with nanoscale particles leads to a more efficient ion release (
Figure 15.5
).
As previously mentioned, bioactive glasses are widely used for bone restoration; therefore, there
are several studies about its application in oral and craniofacial surgery. Every year, millions of
people worldwide suffer bone loss in the region of the face resulting from trauma, tumor, or bone
diseases. Bone grafting procedures are required frequently in oral and maxillofacial surgery. One of
the traditional bone-filling treatments is the autograft using autogenous materials. The autogenous
bone appears as an excellent biological alternative. However, the need for a donor site and a
surgical procedure represent additional factors that can limit their use.
Enamel
Dentin
Bgnp
Dental pulp
Gum
Remineralization of
dentinal tubules
Cementum
Periodontal
ligament
Aveolar
bone
Vasculo-
nervous
FIGURE 15.5
Schematic drawing of treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. It shows the mineralization of dentinal tubules
after treatment with bioactive glass nanoparticles.
