Introduction to Dental Biomaterials

A set of flashcards covering definitions, categories, applications, standards, and general properties of dental biomaterials based on the lecture notes.

How are Dental Biomaterials defined based on their fabrication and design?

Materials that are specially fabricated and designed to be used in dentistry, whose characteristics and properties define their intended use and application.

What general definition applies to any material functioning in the oral cavity?

Any material that plays a specific role (function) in the oral environment and/or dental structure is a Dental Biomaterial.

What are the primary categories of dental biomaterials?

Preventive Materials, Restorative Materials (Direct and Indirect), and Auxiliary Materials.

How are Preventive Biomaterials defined?

Materials primarily used for their antimicrobial effects and/or ability to release therapeutic agents to prevent or inhibit dental caries or periodontal disease.

According to lecture data, what is the global burden percentage for dental caries?

Dental caries affects 60–90% of schoolchildren and 20–70% of adults globally.

What proportion of the global population is affected by periodontal disease?

20–50% of the global population.

What are examples of preventive dental materials listed in the lecture?

Dental floss, toothbrush, toothpaste, chlorhexidine varnish, glass ionomer used as fissure sealant, mouthrinse, and fluoride in drinking water.

How are Restorative Biomaterials defined?

Dental materials that are designed to repair or replace oral structures (teeth or other tissues) for temporary or long-term purposes.

What distinguishes direct restorative procedures from indirect restorative procedures?

Direct restorations are totally intra-oral procedures, whereas indirect restorations are extra-oral, laboratorial procedures.

Why must indirect restorative materials be processed extra-orally?

Because the physical and/or chemical properties of indirect restorative materials do not allow them to set up in the oral environment.

What materials are listed as direct restorative materials?

Amalgam, resin composites, glass-ionomer, compomers, and temporary restorative materials.

What materials are listed as indirect restorative materials?

Ceramics, resin composites, metal alloys, and acrylic resin.

How are Auxiliary Biomaterials defined?

Materials used in the process of fabrication of restorations, prostheses, and appliances, but they do not become or are not part of these devices.

What are examples of auxiliary dental materials?

Alginate, polyvinyl siloxane, dental wax, burs, polishing brushes, and polishing pastes.

What is the overall purpose of standards for dental materials?

To ensure better quality overall and specifically to ensure biomaterials are safe and appropriate for a given application.

What request in 1919 initiated the standardization process for dental materials in the United States?

The US Army requested the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish specifications for dental amalgams.

When were all NIST dental standards taken over by the American Dental Association (ADA)?

1928

What is covered by ADA Specification No. 1?

Alloy for Dental Amalgam.

What is covered by ADA Specification No. 109?

Procedures for Storing Dental Amalgam Waste and Requirements for Amalgam Waste Storage/Shipment Containers.

Which international and regional organizations develop and promote dental standards alongside the ADA?

ISO (International Organization for Standardization), FDI World Dental Federation, ASTM International, NIOM (Nordic Institute of Dental Materials), and CEN (European Committee for Standardization).

In the context of dental biomaterial properties, what does 'Green' mean?

Not to be (or produce) an environmental waste.

What significant general properties characterize Preventive Biomaterials?

Biocompatibility, bioactive/bio-remineralizing capability, antibacterial and antifungal properties, pH sensitivity, and being 'green'.

What significant general properties characterize Restorative Biomaterials?

Biocompatibility, chemical properties, mechanical properties, optical properties, thermal properties, and being 'green'.

What significant general properties characterize Auxiliary Biomaterials?

Inertness (non-allergenic, non-toxic) – 'biocompatible', chemical properties, mechanical properties, thermal properties, application-specific miscellaneous properties, and being 'green'.