Bioactive glass holds valuable applications in paediatric dentistry, offering versatile solutions for various dental concerns in young patients. Its application in pulpotomy procedures aids in preserving pulp vitality by promoting dentin bridge formation. In addition, bioactive glass serves as an effective cavity liner and base material, providing a protective barrier and supporting remineralization in deep carious lesions. In addressing dentin hypersensitivity, bioactive glass proves beneficial by occluding dentinal tubules and fostering mineral deposition. It plays a role in enamel remineralization, reinforcing tooth structure, and managing erosive lesions. In cases of traumatic injuries, bioactive glass facilitates reparative processes, and it can be utilized in orthodontics to treat white spot lesions associated with orthodontic treatment. The incorporation of bioactive glass into dental sealants enhances their preventive properties, and its regenerative potential is explored in traumatized primary teeth. Overall, bioactive glass aligns with the principles of minimally invasive and biocompatible dentistry, offering a range of applications to address paediatric dental needs effectively.
A clinical study was conducted on fifty teeth to clinically and radiographically evaluate the potential of bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite crystals as pulpotomy agents in primary molars. A total of fifty teeth were selected from 25 children (14 boys and 11 girls) aged 4 to 9 years, who had no medical condition that would contraindicate pulp therapy. Each child had at least two primary molars (first and/or second primary molar) requiring pulpotomy. A conventional pulpotomy procedure was performed on the selected teeth using bioactive glass and hydroxyapatite crystals. All molars were evaluated clinically and radiographically at regular intervals over 12 months. The results were subjected to statistical analysis using Fischer exact test. Results showed one hundred per cent clinical success and 84% radiographic success in both the groups at the end of the study period. The study concluded that bioactive glass can be used as pulpotomy agent in primary molars.
The current clinical study compared the antimicrobial efficacy of Bioactive glass, combination of 1% Chlorhexidine gluconate gel and Calcium hydroxide powder and 1% Chlorhexidine gluconate gel as intracanal medicament in primary molars. This In-vivo study included 48 subjects within the age group ranging from 4-11 years who were indicated for multi visit Pulpectomy. These subjects were randomly divided into three experimental groups, containing sixteen samples per group. Group 1: Bioactive glass; Group 2:1% Chlorhexidine gel and Calcium hydroxide powder; Group 3:1% Chlorhexidine gel. Under rubber dam isolation, following lesion sterilization so sample was obtained. Following access opening and working length, sample S1 was obtained, and the respective medicament was placed inside the canals after cleaning and shaping and a double seal was done with ZOE and GIC. Patient was recalled after a period of 5 to 7 days and the medicaments were flushed under isolation and sample S2 was obtained. Pulpectomy procedure was then completed. S0, S1, S2 samples were subjected to microbiological analysis and the total bacterial count in CFU/ml was calculated. Statistical analysis used: Kruskal Wallis Test and One-way ANOVA. Results: The mean percentage of reduction of bacterial count from S1- S2 (Before and after placement of medicament) with Group 1: Bioactive glass was 75.7%, with Group 2:1% Chlorhexidine gluconate and calcium hydroxide was 52% and Group 3:1% Chlorhexidine gluconate was 28.6%, revealing that bioactive glass has the superior antibacterial efficacy when compared with other groups. Antibacterial efficacy of bioactive glass was significant in both primary maxillary and mandibular first molar and second molar proving it to work best for all types of root anatomy in mixed dentition population. Superior clinical and microbiological results were found when bioactive glass was used as intracanal medicament in both intraoral and extra oral abscess cases in primary molars.
