Biomaterials for Regeneration of the Dentin-Pulp Complex

Abstract

Biomaterials or bioactive materials interact with the surrounding environment, stimulating growth and promoting the regeneration of damaged or lost dental tissues. They can be natural, derived from animal or plant tissues, synthetic like bioceramics, or a combination of both. Natural biomaterials include substances from animal or plant tissues like dentin, bone, and collagen, while synthetic ones include materials like bioceramics, bioactive glass, and polymers. These materials are used in various dental treatments such as direct pulp capping, indirect pulp capping, partial and total pulpotomy, and pulp regeneration. This method aims to promote pulp healing and the formation of a mineralized tissue barrier, avoiding more invasive and extensive treatments. The formation of mineralized tissue is considered a favorable response of the exposed pulp tissue, showing its ability to recover. Different biomaterials, their mechanisms of action, clinical indications, applications, and future perspectives will be described in this chapter.