A brief statement of the composition and behavior of dental material.
Dental Material Glossary of Terms
Principal Uses
The type of restorations created from the specific material.
Resistance to Further Decay
The ability of the restoration material to prevent decay.
Longevity/Durability
The average length of time needed before the material requires replacement. This depends on various factors, such as your diet, bite strength, oral hygiene, etc.
Conservation of Tooth Structure
A traditional measure of the amount of tooth that needs to be removed to place and retain the material.
Surface Wear/Fracture Resistance
A measure of the ability of the material to hold up over time through constant biting, grinding, and clenching forces.
Marginal Integrity (Leakage)
The ability of the material to seal the interface between the restoration and tooth, preventing sensitivity and new decay.
Resistance to Occlusal Stress
The material’s ability to remain durable through heavy biting forces over time.
Biocompatibility
The effects on the overall general health of the patient. Allergic or Adverse Reactions, Possible systemic or localized reactions of the skin, gums, and other tissues.
Toxicity
The material’s ability to affect normal physiological processes beyond the mouth.
Susceptibility to Sensitivity
The probability that the restored teeth may be sensitive to stimuli (heat, cold, sweets, pressure) after the placement of the material.
Esthetics
The degree to which the material replicates the appearance of natural teeth.
Frequency of Repair or Replacement
The expected longevity of the restoration created from the material.
Relative Cost
An indication of the amount one would pay for a restoration created from this material compared to others.
Number of Visits Required
The number of times a patient would have to visit the dentist’s office to get the restoration created from this material.
Dental Amalgam
The filling material which is created from mercury and small percentages of silver, tin, and copper.
