Laser Scanning Microscopy used for investigations on bioactive materials used in restorative dentistry and implantology.

Fixed ceramic restorations restore the morphology and function of lost or destroyed teeth, but cannot completely rebuild the structural relationship with soft periodontal tissues, as new attachment on ceramic materials has never being achieved. Although conventional dental ceramics are considered biocompatible they don’t exhibit any bioactive behavior Bioactive materials (glasses and glass-ceramics) can bond with bone or soft connective tissues through the formation of a hydroxycarbonate apatite layer, similar to of bone, at the tissuematerial interface (1-3). The fabrication of a thin bioactive glass coating on dental ceramics used in metal-ceramic restorations could provide a bioactive surface, although thermal treatment could affect the crystal growth process and depress the development of bioactivity. The aim of this study was the investigation by Confocal Scanning Laser Microscope (CLSM) of the surface structure changes of dental ceramics used in metal-ceramic restorations, coated with a bioactive glass and with a mixture of bioactive glass powder and commercial porcelain powder with a weight ratio 1:1. The specimens were heat-treated at 950 0 C and exposed in a simulated body fluid (SBF) for time periods up to 30 days.