Antibacterial Ceramics for Dental Applications

Background: The aim of this review was to evaluate the antibacterial properties of functionalized bioceramics for dental applications. Methods: The electronic databases PubMed, Medline, ProQuest, and Google Scholar were used to search for peer-reviewed scientific publications published between 2020 and 2025 that provide insights to answer research questions related to the role of antibacterial-functionalized bioceramics in combating pathogens in dentistry without triggering immune reactions and inflammation, as well as on their efficacy against various pathogens and whether understanding the antibacterial mechanism can promote the development of glass-ceramic and bioceramic with long-term antibacterial activity. The keywords used to answer the research questions were: bioglass, bioceramic, biocompatible, antibacterial, osseointegration, implant, and bioactive materials. Results: Bacterial infections play a key role in the longevity of medical devices. A crucial problem is drug-resistant bacteria. Antibacterial ceramics have received great attention recently because of their long-term antibacterial activity, good mechanical properties, good biocompatibility, and bioactivity. This review provides a detailed examination of the complex interactions between bacteria, immune cells, and bioceramics from a clinical perspective. The focus of the researchers is on developing new-generation bioceramics with multifunctionality, in particular with antibacterial properties that are independent of conventional antibiotics. The highlight of this review is the exploration of bioceramics with dual functions such as antibacterial and bioactive properties, promoting bone regeneration and antibacterial activity, which have the potential to revolutionize implant technology. Another research focus is modifying the implant surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic in order to increase the antibacterial activity of bioceramics. Conclusions: The aim of this review is to help researchers understand the current state-of-the-art antibacterial activities of bioceramics, which could promote the development of antibacterial ceramics and their clinical application.