USING OF CoCr ALLOYS IN BIOMEDICAL APPLICATIONS ( REVIEW)

Metals are used extensively in biomedical applications due to their mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility. There are many types of metals and alloys used in this application ( stainless steel, Ti and Ti alloys, CoCr, dental amalgam, etc). This review focus on CoCr alloys which have excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties which make them the best choice for many types of surgical implants. There are many alloying elements used to improve the properties of CoCr alloy such as ( Zr, In, Ta, etc ) has been reviewed.

From 'ICDAS' to 'CariesCare International': the 20-year journey building international consensus to take caries evidence into clinical practice

This paper charts the 20-year collaborative journey made by international teams of dental researchers, educators and practitioners. Following the initial development of the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) in 2002, the International Caries Classification and Management System (ICCMS) was collaboratively developed between 2010-2017 with several dental research and practice organisations, and influenced by best evidence judged via SIGN methodology, the UNEP Minamata Treaty (and linked phasing down of dental amalgam), three Dental Policy Labs and an international movement in operative dentistry to move towards minimally invasive dentistry. The FDI World Dental Federation publicised and advocated the ICCMS in 2019, when the 'CariesCare International' Consensus Guide and 4D caries management system was published to aid the delivery of ICCMS into practice. This system, which is designed to help practitioners deliver optimal caries care for patients, is now being adapted internationally for post-pandemic use in the 'Caries OUT' study. It is also being used as a vehicle for implementing the updated Delivering better oral health guidance on caries, as part of the minimum intervention oral healthcare delivery framework in the UK.

The Hazardous Effects of Dental Amalgam Fillings in Human Body: A Systematic Review

The Dental amalgam used in the dental fillings is basically an alloy of mercury (Hg). The amalgam is one of the most commonly used and versatile restorative material. Since more than 150 years this alloy of mercury, that is amalgam is used for it been economical, easy to use, durable, high strength and bacterio-static characteristics. Due to environmental pollution, detrimental health its use is decreasing in recent times. Also its not so appealing like the other materials used that resemble the tooth color. The tooth coloured restorative materials are recommended by both the doctor and the patient. Many researchers suggested that over the period of time the mercury from the filling might leach into the mouth. Thus in this study a detailed review of all the literature available online is done to understand the hazardous effects of dental amalgam fillings in the human body. The systematic literature search using Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science electronic databases was done using PRISMA. The experiments conducted in Sheep and monkey suggested the penetration of amalgam into the jaw bone of the patient with dental restorations. Constant exposure of mercury at lower levels can also lead to multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Most commonly reported renal dysfunction due to the dental amalgams are Tubular and Glomerular damage of the kidneys.

Should dental amalgams be used in dental training? The perspectives of dental academics at a university in South Africa

Dental amalgam has been used in dentistry for the last 150 years to restore posterior teeth. Concerns regarding the safety issues with amalgam due to its mercury content have lead to the introduction of composite dental material to restore posterior teeth. This has transformed the teaching and training trends of direct restorative materials for posterior teeth. This descriptive study aimed to gain insight into academic staff and clinical supervisors’ perceptions regarding the use of dental amalgams in the teaching of restorative dentistry. This study used a qualitative method of data collection. Two focus group discussions were conducted between March and May 2020. Seventeen participants were invited to participate. Fourteen responded and participated, yielding an 82% response rate. The data identified two major themes, viz. the challenges experienced with the teaching of dental amalgam and curriculum development recommendations. Clinical quota requirements, disposal of waste products, and occupational and environmental risks regarding mercury exposure were sub-themes. Some of the curriculum recommendations included the skills gained during cavity preparations, the training and quota requirements of dental materials, and teaching trends locally, nationally and internationally.This study revealed that dental amalgam is still an integral part of the restorative dentistry curriculum at the university. However, the teaching of resin composite now occupies more than fifty percent of the restorative dentistry curriculum. Academics and clinical supervisors show a greater affinity for the placement of composite restorations.

Amalgam phase-out, an environmental safety concern: a cross-sectional study among general dental practitioners in Lahore

Background: Amalgam has been the gold standard for restorations in posterior teeth. Mercury, a major component of dental amalgam, is considered an environmental pollutant. The Minamata Convention on mercury dictates the reduction in the use of mercury-containing products. Since Pakistan is a signatory to the convention, the same amalgam phase-out limitations are implemented in Pakistan. Aim: To identify and assess the use of amalgam and its waste management by dentists in Pakistan post-Minamata Convention guidelines. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lahore among 520 general dental practitioners in 2019. Results: The sample size for the study was calculated as 500; the questionnaire was distributed among 550 dentists. Dental amalgam was used by only 41.6% of the dentists in their practice; 55.0% perceived it to be a health risk. Most of the dentists (76.3%) were unaware of the proper disposal protocols for dental amalgam and 76.5% were unaware of any guidelines regarding amalgam use and disposal. Conclusion: Although there is gap in knowledge among the dentists when it comes to amalgam disposal, dentists in Pakistan are reducing their use of dental amalgam in accordance with the guidelines of the Minamata Convention.

Dental amalgam: a practical guide

Historically, dental amalgam is the world's most commonly used restorative material. Its use is declining due to patient and professional demand for tooth-coloured restorations that are adhesive and promote minimally invasive tooth preparation techniques. Significant reduction has also resulted from environmental concerns relating to dental amalgam's ~50% mercury content. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the status of dental amalgam including its advantages and disadvantages, amalgam safety, regulations and legislation and a comparison with alternative restorative materials. As the undergraduate teaching of amalgam procedures has progressively declined, this paper also provides an illustrated step-by-step revision guide to the materials, equipment and clinical techniques that will optimize the restoration of challenging, complex cavities, where amalgam is still considered by many to be the material of choice. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Amalgam remains an excellent restorative material for long-lasting restorations in large/complex cavities and where moisture control presents challenges.

Conventional glass-ionomer cements: a guide for practitioners

Glass-polyalkenoate cements, also known as glass-ionomer cements (GICs), are one of the most commonly used bio-interactive restorative dental materials, having been available since the 1970s. With the promotion of minimally invasive operative dentistry (MID), and the reduction in the use of dental amalgam worldwide, the popularity of these materials has grown significantly in recent years. This article outlines the basics and clinical importance of GIC material science, and provides an overview of their use in restorative dentistry. CPD/Clinical Relevance: GICs are versatile dental biomaterials that require correct case selection, material handling and placement technique to ensure optimal clinical success.