ABSTRACT
According to the National Institutes of Health, there are more than 100 million people missing teeth, and the need for implant dentistry is stronger than ever. Medical implants have undoubtedly made an indelible mark on our world in the last century. Despite that, however, most medical devices have been constructed using a signicantly restricted number of conventional metallic, ceramic, polymeric, and composite biomaterials. It is critical for the dental team to be familiar with the implant procedures available [5]. The science of dental materials involves a study of the composition and properties of materials and the way in which they interact with the environment in which they are placed. The selection of materials for any given application can thus be undertaken with condence and sound judgments.
