This book provides a comprehensive and scientifically based overview of the biocompatibility of dental materials. Up-to-date concepts of biocompatibility assessment are presented, as well as information on almost all material groups used in daily dentistry practice. Furthermore, special topics of clinical relevance (e.g,, environmental and occupational hazards and the diagnosis of adverse effects) are covered. The book will: improve the reader’s ability to critically analyze information provided by manufacturers supply a better understanding of the biocompatibility of single material groups, which will help the reader choose the most appropriate materials for any given patient and thus prevent adverse effects from developing provide insights on how to conduct objective, matter-of-fact discussions with patients about the materials to be used in dental procedures advise readers, through the use of well-documented concepts, on how to treat patients who claim adverse effects from dental materials feature clinical photographs that will serve as a reference when analyzing clinical symptoms, such as oral mucosa reactions.

A report on the question of whether mercury-containing amalgam used in clinical dentistry produces adverse health effects. Contents: perspectives on dental caries prevention and tooth restoration; highlights of the report; amalgam use and benefits; amalgam risks; alternatives; selection of a dental restorative material; policies on dental amalgam; research; education; regulation; recommended PHS strategy; contributors to the report; appendices.