The Chemistry of Medical and Dental Materials
Chapter 5: Dental Materials
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Published:28 May 2020
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Special Collection: 2020 ebook collectionSeries: Biomaterials Science Series
2020. "Dental Materials", The Chemistry of Medical and Dental Materials, John W Nicholson
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Dental materials are a diverse range of materials that do not fit easily into the usual materials classification of metals, ceramics and polymers. For this reason they are considered separately in this chapter. Emphasis is placed on repair materials, both fillings and implants, although prosthetic materials (dentures) are described briefly as well. The chapter covers composite materials, both their chemistry and application, including the methods used to bond them to teeth. It also covers dental cements, which are materials that set via neutralization reactions between water-soluble acids and solid powdered bases. The resulting materials contain unreacted base, which acts as reinforcing filler. Depending on their composition, these materials may be able to bond directly to the prepared tooth surface. Endodontic sealers are described, including modern materials based on calcium silicate hydraulic cements, and orthodontic materials are also covered. In all cases, clinical uses are described, together with outcomes, and where appropriate, biocompatibility is considered.