Sol–gel based fabrication and characterization of new bioactive glass–ceramic composites for dental applications

The fabrication of a new composite glass–ceramic with potential application in dental restoration was investigated. The developed material aims to modify the surface of dental ceramics creating bioactive surfaces able to improve material–cell interaction enhancing the bonding of the marginal gap between restoration and tooth. The application of the sol–gel method led to a microporous homogeneous glass–ceramic which can be applied as coating on commercial dental ceramic substrates. The microstructural, thermal, mechanical and biological properties of the fabricated coatings were studied and compared to the respective results of a previously investigated glass–ceramic composite. The material–cell interaction on these two sol–gel dental composites was studied in detail. The attachment and proliferation of both periodontal ligament and gingival fibroblast cells confirmed the bioactive behavior of the new materials and their ability to be potentially applied in dental restorations for soft tissue regeneration and sealing of the marginal gap.