Bone and biologically compatible materials in dentistry.

Abstract

This review focuses on compatible materials that are either implanted in bone tissue to serve as prosthetic devices or used as bone substitutes. It attempts to evaluate the significance of studies of combined osteoconductive materials with osteoinductive factors, like demineralized bone or its purified components, and osteogenic cells. It is important to note that the term osseointegration, which is still widely used by clinicians to indicate the bioactivity of implants in bone healing, is not substantiated by any controlled basic study. Even pure titanium and hydroxyapatite can interfere with the normal healing of a surgical bone wound. This review emphasizes the three-dimensional structure of bone, intercellular communication, and the response of this system to bone damage and materials.