Zeolites as Natural Biomaterials in Conservative Dentistry: A Comprehensive Review

Conservative dentistry focuses on preserving tooth structure through preventive and minimally invasive strategies. A persistent challenge is preventing bacterial colonization and secondary caries at restoration margins. Zeolites, naturally occurring microporous aluminosilicate minerals, have recently gained attention for their ion-exchange capabilities and ability to provide sustained antimicrobial activity. Their natural origin, abundance, and eco-friendly properties position them as attractive alternatives to synthetic antimicrobial additives. This review summarizes the natural origin, structural and chemical properties of zeolites, their mechanisms of antibacterial action, and their integration into restorative systems including glass ionomer cements, resin composites, adhesives, and mineral trioxide aggregate. Benefits, challenges, and future research directions are discussed, highlighting zeolites as promising natural biomaterials for the next generation of minimally invasive restorative dentistry.