Silver hydrogel bioceramic compositions for dental and medical applications

A method of forming a premixed paste for use in medical and/or dental applications, the method comprising the steps of:

• mixing:
• at least one silver nanoparticle and/or at least one silver ion;
• at least one hydrogel former;
• at least one hydratable bioceramic material;
• and
• at least one non-aqueous liquid carrier that is hydrophilic and able to undergo an exchange with a water-based fluid when the premixed paste is exposed to an environment where water-based fluid is present.

A method for forming a cementitious mass in medical and/or dental applications, said method comprising the steps of:

• providing a premixed paste, said premixed paste comprising:
• at least one silver nanoparticle and/or at least one silver ion;
• at least one hydrogel former;
• at least one hydratable bioceramic material;
• and
• at least one non-aqueous liquid carrier that is hydrophilic and able to undergo an exchange with a water-based liquid when the premixed paste is exposed to an environment where water-based fluid is present, and
• placing said premixed paste in a physiological environment so that said at least one non-aqueous liquid carrier undergoes exchange with an aqueous physiological fluid so that said paste hydrates in said physiological environment.