Fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) are a group of nonmetallic biomaterials that are

growing in popularity in several dental applications. FRCs are a combination of two

materials in which one of the materials, called the reinforcing phase, is in the form of

fibers, and is embedded in the other material, called the matrix phase.

FRCs offers clinicians a material that can be tailored to mimic the properties of dentine

or bone, to ensure good esthetic characters and to chemically bond to tooth structure.

Interface properties are critical to the performance of FRCs because high masticatory

forces are transferred across this interface. The most commonly used applications of

FRCs are in removable dentures, minimally invasive fixed dental prostheses, periodontal

splints, root canal posts, and orthodontic retainers.

This chapter is a broad overview of the biocompatibility of FRC materials currently

used in dentistry. It also provides information on the biological aspects of FRC implants

in cell culture conditions and in vivo. Clinical considerations are discussed based on

current knowledge of use of polymers in regenerative medicine.