Biomaterials, biocompatibility, and peri-implant considerations.

There are series of tests recommended for evaluation of dental implants. These materials and instrumentation coupled with the publications reviewed here that deal with animal experimentation and implant experience in humans provide an outline of data that have made tissue response to dental implants more clearly delineated. However, there are several specific aspects of cellular response that remain to be illuminated and correlated with clinical and radiographic signs. The further study of the interface zone with corresponding characterization of materials will produce the final chapter in the development of this most interesting area of dentistry. As stated, no epithelial attachment to any dental implant post has been comprehensively described that utilizes light and electron microscopy or histochemistry. Rather, a concept of a biologic seal has emerged that delineates the external milieu of the mouth with its microbiota and plaque from the internal milieu of bone and connective tissue, where true osseointegration can and does take place.