Release of Monomers from Dental Composite Materials into Saliva and the Possibility of Reducing the Toxic Risk for the Patient

Abstract

Background and Objectives: The objective of this study was (1) to measure the amount of monomers released into the saliva depending on the time elapsed after the hardening of the composite and on the type of monomer used; and (2) with the prolongation of the light-curing procedure, to publish information on whether it would be possible to influence the level of leached monomers. Materials and Methods: HPLC technique was used to monitor the levels of the unpolymerized monomers Bis-GMA, Bis/EMA, TEGDMA, and UDMA from the four commonly used composite materials, released into the saliva of a volunteer with intact dentition. The levels were monitored in 3 time periods during 24 h after composite hardening. From every composite material, 4 samples were formed and cured with an LED lamp for 10 s, 20 s, 40 s, and 60 s. After the light curing, the same polishing procedure was used and the samples were leached in blank saliva samples. Results: We observed that every monitored composite material eluted monomers into the saliva after its application. The amount of monomers depended on the time elapsed after the curing of the composite and on the type of composite used. A 40 s LED curing procedure can reduce the amount of leached monomers in comparison with the standard 20 s procedure, especially for monomers of higher molecular weight. Conclusions: Our study confirmed the hypothesis that the release of monomers gradually decreases with increasing time after the hardening of the composite filling.

Evaluation of dental pulp stem cells response to flowable nano-hybrid dental composites: A comparative analysis

“…The molecular weights of these monomers vary; TEGDMA has the most negligible molecular weight at 286.32 g/mol, UDMA is next at 470.56 g/mol, and Bis-GMA is the heaviest at 512.60 g/mol. Interestingly, there is a relationship between these monomers’ molecular weight and toxicity; studies have shown that toxicity tends to rise with molecular weight in the following order: TEGDMA < UDMA < Bis-GMA [ 40 ]. This implies that AEF’s increased production of these heavier, more toxic monomers may cause its increased toxicity.…”

Analysis of Resin-Based Dental Materials’ Composition Depending on Their Clinical Applications

“…Some clinical procedures could be applied to minimize the release of unpolymerized monomers [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 40 , 41 , 42 ]: rubber dam use for restoration making, using a curing lamp with sufficient power (>1000 mW/cm 2 ), bringing the fiber of the curing lamp closer to the material to be cured, and prolonging curing time or, in the case of restoration making, adding a second curing step after covering the restoration with a glycerin film. Unpolymerized monomers are present on the surface of the material because of the inhibition of polymerization induced by oxygen [ 40 , 41 ]. It was also demonstrated that brushing the restoration surface with pumice or water/air spray eliminated most residual monomers [ 41 , 42 ].…”

“…Unpolymerized monomers are present on the surface of the material because of the inhibition of polymerization induced by oxygen [ 40 , 41 ]. It was also demonstrated that brushing the restoration surface with pumice or water/air spray eliminated most residual monomers [ 41 , 42 ]. A gargle with warm water 30 s after orthodontic bonding [ 20 ] or restoration bonding [ 41 ] could also reduce the level of residual monomers.…”

“…It was also demonstrated that brushing the restoration surface with pumice or water/air spray eliminated most residual monomers [ 41 , 42 ]. A gargle with warm water 30 s after orthodontic bonding [ 20 ] or restoration bonding [ 41 ] could also reduce the level of residual monomers. Finally, using indirect or CAD-CAM resin materials for restorations could also minimize the monomer release with a maximum degree of conversion for these types of materials [ 42 ].…”

Analysis of Resin-Based Dental Materials Composition Depending on Their Clinical Applications

“…Some clinical procedures could be applied to minimize the release of unpolymerized monomers [15][16][17][18][19]36,37]: rubber dam use for restorations making, using a curing lamp with sufficient power (>1000 mW/cm 2 ), bring the fiber of the curing lamp closer to the material to be cured and prolonged curing time or in case of restoration making a second curing step after covering the restoration with a glycerin film. Unpolymerized monomers are present on the surface of the material because the inhibition of polymerization induced by oxygen [36,37]. It was also demonstrated that brushing the restoration surface with pumice or water/air spray eliminated most residual monomers [36,37].…”