Definition: material that has the quality of being non-destructive in the biological environment but also interact to benefit the patient.
Components of Biocompatibility
Biosafety: the exclusion of adverse effects of the biomaterial on the organism itself.
Biofunctionality: the need of a material not only to be free from adverse effects of the host organism but also be able to elicit a beneficial host response for optimal functioning of the biomaterial.
This means a tissue may have an acceptable biosafety profile yet still fail if used in the wrong environment or for an unsuitable indication. Such poor biofunctionality leads to inadequate biocompatibility. Therefore, dentists must understand dental materials and their properties to select the right material for the right application.
Biocompatibility relates to overall performance of a material
On implantation, a new material immediately creates a new interface that is not normally present and the body's normal homeostasis is disturbed. This results in a two way biological interaction:
The effect the body has on the implant material:
Protein absorption
Enzymatic degradation
Corrosion
Environmental - adherence of body fluids and cells
The effect the implant has on the body:
Coagulopathy
Inflammation - leading to chronic inflammation if prolonged
Immune response
Wound healing