Biomimetic Materials in Pediatric Dentistry: From Past to Future.

Abstract

“Biomimetics” is the field of science that uses the natural system of synthesizing materials through biomimicry. This method can be widely used in dentistry for regeneration of dental structures and replacement of lost dental tissues. This is a review paper that states its scope, history, different fields of biomimetic dentistry, and its future conditions in India.  With Biomimetic dentistry, only the damage and decay are removed from the teeth, and the final restoration is bonded to the remaining healthy natural tooth structure.  The scope of biomimetic dentistry in India is enormous in the near future. It is the designing of biomaterials that simulates physical and mechanical properties of the lost tissue, thus providing an opportunity to introduce and change treatment modalities for the disease. Biomimetic dentistry is an interdisciplinary approach and has potential for transforming everyday dental practice. It brings the power of modern biological, chemical, and physical science to solve real clinical problems. Biomimetics provides a new strategy that translates our knowledge of biological structures and functions and creates new synthetic pathways to mimic biological processes.