Recent Advances in Bioactive Dental Materials: A Paradigm Shift in Restorative Dentistry

INTRODUCTION Traditional restorative dentistry has long focused on using inert materials to repair damaged or decayed teeth. However, bioactive dental materials represent a paradigm shift, as they actively engage with the biological environment of the tooth to promote healing and tissue regeneration. Bioactive materials such as bioactive glass ionomer cement (GIC) and calcium silicate-based materials, including Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA), have been at the forefront of this transformation. These materials are designed to interact dynamically with the oral environment by releasing ions that aid in remineralization, making them especially effective in restorative treatments where long-term tissue health is paramount [1,2].