Commonly Used Terms

Some commonly used terms are explained below:

i) Bio-compatibility

The term ‘bio-compatible’ is defined as being harmonious with life and not having toxic or injurious effects on biological functions. The dental materials or technique or any external stimulus should not be harmful to the pulp and soft tissues. It should not contain toxic diffusible substance that can be absorbed into the circulation to cause a systemic toxic response. Further it should have no carcinogenic potential and also should be free of potentially sensitizing agents that could cause an allergic response.

ii) Bio-material

It can be defined as any substance, other than a drug, that can be used for any period as a part of a system that treats, augments or replaces any tissue, organ or function of a body. The host environment for dental bio-materials is especially complicated because of the presence of bacteria and debris in the oral cavity and the corrosive properties of saliva and other fluids.

iii) Hazardous

A material is considered to be hazardous if it has the potential to cause a problem when placed in the body tissues. Hazardous materials are generally identified through screening tests, which place them in direct contact with either cultured cells or animal tissues.

iv) Risk

Risk means that the material can cause sufficient damage. A material which is hazardous may not pose a significant risk to the body e.g. Zinc oxide eugenol may be hazardous but not risky. Risk may be reduced because of diffusion or dilution of the offending components, biological barriers, or a lack of sufficient time of contact between the offending components and susceptible tissues.