Amorphous Calcium Phosphate as Bioactive Filler in Polymeric Dental Composites

Abstract

As biocompatible and osteo-inductive precursor to biological apatite formation, amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) resorbs at the rate that closely coin-cides with the rate of new bone formation and is more osteo-conductive than its crystalline counterpart. In addition, in the oral environment, ACP intrinsically provides a protracted supply of the remineralizing calcium and phosphate ions needed for regeneration of mineral lost to tooth decay. These features make ACP composites a strong remineralizing tool at the site of caries attack. Our group has been on the forefront of the research on bioactive, remineralizing, polymeric ACP-based dental materials for over two decades. This entry describes methods for filler, polymer, and composite fabrication and a battery of physicochemical and biological tests involved in evaluation of ACP-based restoratives. Also presented is our most recent design of ACP remineralizing composites with added antimicrobial capability that shows promise for extended dental and, potentially, wider biomedical applications.