title: The use of bioceramics in endodontics - literature review.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Bioceramics are ceramic compounds obtained both in situ and in vivo, by various chemical processes. Bioceramics exhibit excellent biocompatibility due to their similarity with biological materials, like hydroxyapatite. Bioceramics and multi-substituted hydroxyapatite or similar compounds have the ability to induce a regenerative response in the organism. The aim of this paper is to make a literature review on the main bioceramic materials currently used in endodontics and on their specific characteristics.
  
  
  METHODS
  We conducted a search in the international databases (PubMed), to identify publications in the last 10 years, using the following key words: "bioceramics endodontics", "bioceramic endodontic cement", "bioceramic sealer" and "direct pulp capping bioceramic".
  
  
  RESULTS
  Commonly used endodontic sealers (e.g., containing zinc oxide, calcium hydroxide and a resin) have a long tradition in scientific research and clinical use in endodontics. For specific cases, like root resorptions, perforations, apexification, and retrograde fillings, new biocompatible materials were developed in order to improve the clinical outcome: ProRooT MTA (Dentsply Company, Germany); Biodentine (Septodont, France); Endosequence BC sealer (Brassler, SUA); Bioaggregate (IBC, Canada); Generex A (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, USA).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The studies are generally in favor of bioceramic materials even if there are not many products available on the market for endodontic use. As more products are launched and more research is performed regarding these materials, we will provide more reliable data on clinical outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jitaru
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Ioana
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Hodisan
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Lucia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Timis
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Anamaria
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lucian
authors.affiliation: Department of Odontology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
authors.forename: Marius
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bud
keywords: bioceramics; biodentine; endodontics