CHARACTERIZATION OF GLASS IONOMERS FOR SURGICAL APPLICATIONS

The clinical use of glass ionomers is well established in the odontolo gical field. In particular; (i) high biocompatibility (unincreased mac rophages activity), and consequently no inflammation in post-operative course; (ii) total non-toxicity of components; (iii) absence of mutag enic consequence on osteoblasts; (iv) dimensional stability and absenc e of macroscopic changes after very to ng implantation ti mes; (v) sta bility to water and bio log ica I compounds, make these materials attr active for further clinical applications. The high adhesion both to me tallic or ceramic surfaces and bone tissue makes this materials excell ently usable for the adjustment of bone defects. This goal necessitate s suitable knowledge of the mechanical, chemical, physical and biologi cal properties of commercial materials so that the most suitable produ ct can be identified. The characterization of representative products of each of the principal classes of glass ionomers material is reporte d.