Biology of the oral environment and its impact on the stability of dental and craniofacial reconstructions

Abstract

Clinical success of dental and craniofacial reconstructions is highly influenced by the interaction between the restoration and the oral environment. This interaction is characterized by a feedback mechanism involving the restorative material and host-related factors. The interface between the restorative material and host's tissue influences the microbial ecology, and the host-related factors also have an essential role in the integrity of the restoration. Both factors are critical for the maintenance of health-associated state. Host-related factors are mainly represented by the saliva (proteins, immunity, buffering capacity) and oral microbial composition and ecology (biofilms). This chapter focuses on the discussion of the biology of the oral environment and its complex interaction with dental and craniofacial reconstructions.