A brief history

Dental researchers are constantly seeking solutions to problems faced in the profession, with technological and biological innovations over recent years spurring on progress. One area which is able to have a big impact on dental health is the advent of bioactive glass. With the increase in popularity of minimally invasive and biomimetic techniques and procedures, the demand for biologically compatible materials is set to continue to rise. Ultimately, the use of such materials will result in improved outcomes for patients, minimising the risk of complications and the body rejecting foreign materials. It’s important to explore how this material came to be, how it has evolved for use in dentistry, and what its impact might be going forward, both for patients and the profession.