BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF BUILDING DENTAL MATERIALS AND CLINICAL CHANGES IN ORAL TISSUES CAUSED BY THEIR APPLICATION: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

<p style="text-align: justify;">Restoring the morphological and functional integrity of damaged or lost teeth and replacing them with suitable materials remains a significant challenge in modern dentistry. A continuous development of new restorative materials aims to improve mechanical properties, aesthetic outcomes, and longevity of dental restorations, while minimizing adverse biological effects. Biocompatibility represents a fundamental requirement of all dental materials, referring to their ability to perform a specific function in the oral environment without eliciting undesirable local or systemic tissue responses. The oral mucosa, including the lips, is constantly exposed to numerous physical, chemical, and biological agents that may act as irritants or sensitizers. Given that most dental materials are designed for prolonged intraoral use, their continuous contact with oral tissues can influence mucosal integrity and function. Clinical manifestations of adverse reactions vary in severity and presentation, often depending on the material composition, exposure duration, and individual patient sensitivity. Local tissue reactions associated with dental materials include conditions such as oral stomatitis, mechanical trauma, thermal and chemical burns, toxic effects, and allergic reactions. Accurate diagnosis and identification of the underlying causative factor are essential for selecting appropriate therapeutic measures and preventing complications. The growing demand for aesthetic and durable restorations underscores the importance of continuous evaluation and improvement of material biocompatibility in contemporary dental practice.</p>