Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
tissue. The biomaterial must be biocompatible or bioactive, non-toxic,
non-allergenic and possess an aesthetic appearance. In restorative den-
tistry, the biomaterial needs to have high mechanical strength, stiffness
and hardness. In several dental applications the biomaterial used is
shaped in site by the dentist. Thus, the material used must be easy to
sterilise, to apply in site and to form into any desired shape.
The subject of materials for medical applications is highly
interdisciplinary - the materials scientist must collaborate with
physicians. Only then can the materials scientist understand the
requirements the clinical environment has for the development and
manufacture of the biomaterial. It is necessary that the final product
possesses all desired properties in an easily applicable product form.
The most important research of the usage of melt-quenched bioactive
glasses in dental applications is reviewed below.
11.2 STRUCTURE OF THE HUMAN TOOTH
In order to thoroughly understand potential dental applications of
bioactive glasses, the structure of the human tooth and its anchorage
to the jawbone must be understood. Figure 11.1 illustrates simplified
sketches of the structures of the teeth. The root of the tooth consists of
dentine and pulp surrounded by cementum. The pulp, commonly known
as the nerve of the tooth, is filled with soft tissues, including blood vessels
and nerve cells. The root is embedded in the jawbone, which forms the
Enamel
Enamel ( ~ 90% apatite)
Dentine ( ~ 70% apatite
and contains tubules)
Pulp (contains cells, nerve
trunks and blood vessels)
Cementum
( ~ 50% apatite)
Alveolar
bone
Gum
Dentine
Bone
Cementum
Pulp
(a)
(b)
Figure 11.1 Simplified structures of teeth: (a) an incisor and its attachment to the
alveolar bone, and (b) a molar.
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