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MATERIALS IN RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
Author(s) -
Peyton Floyd A.
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1968.tb20274.x
Subject(s) - annals , restorative dentistry , citation , dentistry , library science , psychology , medicine , history , computer science , classics
Two major areas of practice are recognized in dentistry. One is directed toward the prevention of oral disease by the reduction of dental caries and the control of periodontal disturbances and oral lesions of all types in the mouth, the patient thereby being assured of the best possible oral health services from such preventive practice. The other area is the practice of restorative dentistry, which includes the treatment of localized infections and the preparation of restorations to replace lost tissue. It is with regard to this second area that an understanding of materials is important. The construction of dental restorations and the practice of restorative dentistry are a necessity while people continue to suffer from involvements of the oral tissues. When teeth and adjacent tissues are lost by accident or disease, the lost tissues must be replaced by functionally and esthetically effective artificial substitutes. A major portion-variously estimated at SO-70% -of dental service and time is devoted to these biomechanical procedures. Unfortunately, this condition is likely to continue throughout the present generation, or until research provides methods to assure a reduction of prevailing dental disorders. One should recognize, therefore, that restorative dental practice is important to the patient, is an accepted fact of the profession, depends on a knowledge and choice of available materials, and will continue to be needed in the future as a part of our dental health service. In restorative procedures, two major activities must be recognized as fundamental: The proper treatment, preservation and care of the remaining oral tissues, with an evaluation of tissue tolerance, compatibility or tissue reaction to the various restorations; and the understanding of the fundamental nature, the physical and mechanical properties, and the functional and esthetic performance of the materials employed in the restoration. Dental materials science is concerned with all facets of these activities, and restorative dental practice involves the attempt to replace with appropriate substitutes either hard or soft tissues of the mouth which has been lost through accident or disease.