Biocompatibility of prosthodontic materials and test methods

Abstract

Various materials with different features and content are widely used in dentistry. While fulfilling their aesthetic and functional tasks, these materials are in contact with oral tissues and fluids. Therefore, besides physical and mechanical properties, biocompatibility also is a required property for these materials. Biomaterials are non-vital materials placed on or inside the human body, and interact with biological systems. Dental materials placed in the mouth are also considered as biomaterials. Biocompatibility is the ability of a material to perform with an appropriate host response when applied as intended. There are various test methods and protocols to evaluate the biological response generated by a dental material. Initial in vitro tests resulting in satisfactory findings are followed by more comprehensive in vivo animal tests and clinical usage tests. The aim of this report is to review biocompatibility test methods and the biocompatibility of prosthodontic materials in the light of previous studies.