We have led the research on polymeric dental materials based on amorphous
calcium phosphate (ACP) for over two decades. The knowledge gained from
systematic structure-composition-property relationship studies of ACP composites
yielded a new generation of materials capable of efficiently restoring lost tooth mineral
via sustained release of re-mineralizing calcium and phosphate ions (building blocks of
both enamel and dentin). Our work has also contributed to a better understanding on
how different monomer systems yield unique matrix structures and filler/matrix
interactions that affect the critical properties of ACP composites and their overall
performance. In this Chapter, we describe ACP filler, polymer and composite
fabrication and the sequential physicochemical, mechanical and biological evaluation
of ACP composites intended for different dental applications. We also discuss
introducing an antimicrobial function in the formulation of ACP composites as a way
of expanding their potential application beyond dentistry into area of regenerative hard
tissue medicine.
Keywords: Amorphous calcium phosphate, Anti-caries agent, Dental composite,
Ion release, Mechanical evaluation, Methacrylate monomers, Physicochemical
evaluation, Polymerization, Remineralization potential.
