Author: Schmalz G, Arenholt-Bindslev D.
Source: Springer
Year: 2009
Comment:
Abstract / Excerpt:
The question of whether and to what extent dental materials may be hazardous to patients, the environment, and dental personnel has become of increasing public concern. The very emotional discussion in the public media about amalgam has significantly contributed to this dispute. In addition, reports about potential health risks in relation to other dental materials, such as resins and dental alloys, have generated an increased public and professional interest in this topic. One consequence of this tendency is that dental materials are now the subject of special regulations and directives in almost all countries of the world, intended to guarantee efficiency, safety, and quality and to make sure that only biocompatible materials are brought on the market. Basically, manufacturers are responsible for the safety and quality of their medical devices. It is, however, the responsibility of the dentist to fulfill distinct assignments in this context: The dentist is thus responsible for choosing the most suitable material for each specific indication in an individual patient. Furthermore, the dentist is the primary contact person for patients who have questions about the biocompatibility of the applied materials and is therefore an important part of the market surveillance system, with the responsibility to report adverse effects to the relevant authorities.
Citation: Schmalz G, Arenholt-Bindslev D. Biocompatibility of dental materials. Berlin, Heidelberg: Springer; 2009.