Practical and Theoretical Considerations for Dental Restorative Materials

Abstract

Dental materials are essential for most of dental treatment modalities. Understanding the science and chemistry behind the materials and their properties can enable the operator to employ the dental material to its maximum advantage. Contemporary dental materials have evolved significantly from the conventional variety, but there is always room for refinement since the inadequacies of the current dental materials in function are recognized only with the advent of advanced dental materials testing methods. As a result, continuous improvement and modification of dental materials is essential. Caries is a process of continuous demineralization and re-mineralization. Recurrent caries is a common occurrence around the tooth-restoration margin. It most likely indicates that the current dental materials are inadequate in their applications. As a result, augmenting conventional dental materials with additional advantageous properties is critical. This chapter aims to reflect on the empirical status of direct restorative materials frequently used in the field of restorative dentistry.