ABSTRACT
Amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), an important precursor in the biological formation of hydroxyapatite, has been investigated for use as a bioactive filler in resin-based dental materials. When used in pyrophosphate-stabilized form as a filler in polymeric composites, ACP can release supersaturating levels of Ca2+ and PO43- ions over extended periods of time to form HAP external to the composite. This chapter aims to determine the feasibility of introducing glass-forming elements during the preparation of ACP so that the resulting hybrid fillers, for example, silica- and zirconia-modified ACP, would have greater potential for strengthening the composite by improving interfacial interactions with the polymer phase. New composites containing the hybrid or modified ACP fillers were then evaluated to establish whether introduction of silica- or zirconia-ACP fillers improved their mechanical strength without compromising their remineralization potential. ACP composites, however, lack the strength of conventional glass filled dental composites that are widely used in restorative and sealant applications.
