Bioactive Glass Nanopowder for theTreatment of Oral Bone Defects

Osseous defects around dental implants are often seen when implants are placed in areas with inadequate alveolar bone, or around failing implants. Bone regeneration in these areas using bone grafts or its substitutes may improve dental implants prognosis. The aim of this study was to prepare and characterize the bioactive glass nanopowder and development of its coating for treatment of oral bone defects. Bioactive bioglass coating was made on stainless steel plates by sol-gel technique. The powder shape and size was evaluated by transmission electron micropscopy, and thermal properties studied using differential thermal analysis (DTA). Structural characterization techniques (XRD) were used to analyze and study the structure and phase present in the prepared bioactive glass nanopowder. This nanopowder was immersed in the simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was utilized to recognize and confirm the formation of apatite layer on prepared bioactive glass nanopowder. The bioglass powder size was less than 100 nanometers which was necessary for better bioactivity, and preparing a homogeneous coating. The formation of apatite layer confirmed the bioactivity of the bioglass nanopowder. Crack-free and homogeneous bioglass coatings were achieved with no observable defects. It was concluded that the prepared bioactive glass nanopowder could be more effective as a bone replacement material than conventional bioactive glass to promote bone formation in osseous defects. The prepared bioactive glass nanopowder could be more useful for treatment of oral bone defects compare to conventional hydroxyapatite or bioactive glass.