AN OVERVIEW OF ADVERSE REACTIONS CAUSED BY PROSTHETIC BIOMATERIALS

Providing dental treatment involves the use of a wide range of materials within prosthodontic practice and many of these materials pose a potential occupational risk as well as a risk to the patient. The range and complexity of materials employed in practice is increasing, and the pressures on manufacturers and clinicians are likely to maintain this trend. While the introduction of new materials brings great benefits, there is always a risk of an adverse reaction to one or more components by members of the dental team or members of the public. Pre-market biocompatibility testing cannot guarantee absolute safety, so it is important to identify materials that can cause an adverse reaction when placed on the open market. There are no materials that can be considered as absolute safe under all conditions, for all patients and dental personnel, but it is essential that the adverse events that do occur are monitored and treated appropriately. INTRODUCTION Today's prosthodontic treatment aspires to fulfill high aesthetic demands. New materials are frequently introduced to dentistry. Ceramics, metals, polymer-based materials, and combinations of materials offer multiple treatment possibilities in prosthodontic treatment. Biomaterials in prosthodontic dentistry encompass impression materials, luting cements, and restorative materials like metal alloys, ceramics and polymeric resins. The aim of this article is to give a report on factors that may influence the frequency of adverse reactions to biologic tissues. Some of the adverse reactions may be due to lack of knowledge about the toxic, irritant and allergenic properties of dental materials.