Reactions of the gingiva to dental materials

Dental materials may alter the health of the gingiva in different ways. In the etiology of periodontal disease dental materials are one factor only among several others. Today, excellent methods are available for the biologic evaluation of materials and it should no longer be possible to sell and introduce entirely new materials without any preclinical biologic testing. Financial gain cannot be an excuse for the exposure of man to the possible toxic, allergenic and even tumorigenic risks. Restorations with subgingival margins should be avoided and if they have to be done, amalgam, phosphate, silico-phosphate, silicate, resin, cold curing resin and pyroplast should not be used.