SAFETY AND HAZARDS OF MATERIALS USED IN THE FABRICATION OF DENTAL PROSTHESES

Many materials ranging from impression materials, waxes, investments and luting cements to fabricating materials are needed when directly or indirectly making dental prostheses. In general, they comprise metal alloys, ceramics, and polymers. Irrespective of the role, these materials play, they may remain in contact with oral tissues for as little as few minutes to many decades or even for the remaining lifespan of patient. . Despite the fact that currently there exists neither substantial data nor robust evidence to contraindicate the discontinuance of any of these materials, oral release of compounds from prosthodontics biomaterials remains a major concern with the likelihood of adverse reactions that could follow such dental treatments. There are reports from many different countries about contact allergy ensuing from alloys containing gold and palladium, of components from polymer-based materials and of alloys containing chromium and nickel. This review of clinical and research literature relating to prosthodontic biomaterials shows that despite the marked variation in dental alloy composition and the general lack of data on biocompatibility for prosthodontic materials, the efficacy of fixed and removable restorations is well established. At the same time, it is also felt that the raised level of concern about adverse reactions and safety of some of these materials mainly reflects the predominant influence of the dental manufacturing and marketing industry without clear-cut research information. Reliable research information using robust methodology is thus needed to clarify the various safety issues and frequency of adverse reactions in general dentistry, including prosthodontic treatment.