Metallic Biomaterials for Medical and Dental Prosthetic Applications

Abstract

Metallic biomaterials have a long history in dentistry and maxillofacial surgery due to their acceptable mechanical, chemical, and biocompatibility. Various metallic fixed and removable dentures/appliances, plates, joints, screws, as well as implants, are used to restore anatomical and functional disorders (limitations) of missing or defective tissues in maxillofacial rehabilitation. For enhancement of biocompatibility of metallic structures, inserted into the human body, some surface modifications are also carried out, which have promising perspectives to enhance and advance the application of metals in various medical fields. Recently, additive manufacturing (AM) has been adopted as an advanced alternative method for the fabrication of metal prostheses and medical implants. This chapter presents a recent advancement of metallic biomaterials for medical and dental prosthetic applications.