Biocompatible resins in dentistry.

The evolution of treatment for dental disease has been keyed to developments in technology. Once the diseased tooth structure was removed, various materials were then utilized to restore health and function to the tooth. A major consideration must be the biocompatibility of the restorative materials--both to the vital process of the tooth, as well as the oral cavity. It has been generally accepted that calcium hydroxide containing products are the materials of choice to be placed in direct contact with the pulp, prior to placement of these restorative materials. As the demands on restorative materials became more defined, the requirements of the base materials also became greater. Due to the numerous desirable features of polymeric resins, the search for a biocompatible resin base system incorporating calcium hydroxide was initiated. PRISMA VLC DYCAL represents the first dental use of biocompatible resin in direct contact with vital tissue.