ABSTRACT
DEFINITION Biomaterials are synthetic and naturally occurring materials used to replace, reconstruct, or augment tissues in the human body.
CHOOSING A BIOMATERIAL n Permanence is long-term biocompatibility between the host and implant (Box 9-1). n Permanence is the most important clinical aspect of an implanted material
Biocompatible Chemically inert Nonallergenic Noncarcinogenic Sterilizable Cost effective Easy handling
n The interaction between host and implant commonly is not ideal, and various biologic reactions may be observed (Box 9-2).
