Applications of Dental Biomaterials
The following are some of the applications of dental biomaterials in the clinics:
i. Restorative Dentistry:
Restorative dentistry focuses on repairing or replacing damaged or missing teeth. Dental materials play a crucial role in this field by providing solutions such as:
– Fillings: These materials are used to restore teeth damaged by decay or trauma with materials like composite resins, dental amalgam, or glass ionomer cement being more preferred for this role.
– Crowns and Bridges: Materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal alloys, or a combination are used to create crowns and bridges to restore and strengthen extensively damaged or missing teeth.
– Implants Dental implants are used to replace missing teeth by surgically implanting a metal post into the jawbone, which acts as an artificial tooth root. The crown attached to the implant provides a natural-looking replacement tooth.
– Bonding: Dental bonding involves applying a tooth-colored resin material to repair chips, cracks, or gaps in teeth. It’s a versatile technique used for both restorative and cosmetic purposes.
ii. Prosthetic Dentistry:
Prosthetic dentistry involves the design, fabrication, and fitting of artificial replacements for missing teeth and other oral structures. Dental materials are used in:
– Dentures: Removable appliances used to replace missing teeth and surrounding tissues. Dentures are typically made of acrylic, metal alloys, or a combination of both.
– Impression Materials: These materials are used to create accurate molds of a patient’s oral tissues for the fabrication of dental prostheses like dentures or crowns. Common impression materials include alginate, silicone, and polyether.
iii. Pediatric Dentistry
Pediatric dentistry deals with the oral health of children from infancy through adolescence. Dental materials are used for:
– Fillings: Similar to restorative dentistry, dental materials are used to repair cavities in children’s teeth.
– Sealants: Protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to prevent decay. They are typically made of resin-based materials.
iv. Orthodontics:
Orthodontics focuses on correcting misaligned teeth and jaws. Dental materials play a role in:
– Appliances: Braces, retainers, and other orthodontic appliances are made using materials like metal alloys (stainless steel), ceramic, or clear plastic.
– Adhesives: Dental adhesives are used to bond brackets or other orthodontic appliances to teeth.
v. Oral Pathology:
Oral pathology involves the study and diagnosis of diseases affecting the mouth and jaws. Dental materials are used for:
– Understanding Tissue Reactions: Dental materials are studied to understand how oral tissues react to them, helping to diagnose and manage oral diseases and conditions related to biomaterials.
vi. Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery:
Oral and maxillofacial surgery deals with surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaw, and face. Dental materials are used for:
– Bone Plates: Metal plates used to stabilize fractured jawbones during surgery.
– Sutures: Materials used to stitch surgical incisions and wounds.
– Implants: Dental implants are commonly used in oral surgery to replace missing teeth or to provide support for prosthetic devices like dentures.
vii. Periodontology
Periodontology focuses on the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases that affect the gums and supporting structures of the teeth. Dental materials are used for:
– Dressings: Materials used to protect surgical sites and promote healing after periodontal procedures.
– Splints: Devices used to stabilize mobile teeth or to support periodontal tissues during healing.
viii. Oral Pathology:
As mentioned earlier, oral pathology involves understanding and diagnosing diseases of the oral cavity. Dental materials are used in this field for studying tissue reactions and biocompatibility, aiding in the diagnosis and management of oral diseases.