Resin-based composite materials: elution and pollution

Abstract

Pollution arises from all human activity and the provision of oral healthcare using resin-based composite restorative materials (RBCs) should be considered. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the potential pollutant risk to the environment from the chemical compounds found in resin-based restorative materials, by including: 1) the principal pollutant compounds present in the resin matrix; 2) the degradation process of RBCs and its consequences; 3) the methods used for the detection and quantification of monomer elution and RBC microparticles; and 4) a review of the release mechanisms of eluates and RBC microparticles into the environment.RBCs are pollutants by virtue of the compounds created during the degradation processes. These are in the form of the constituent eluted monomers and microparticles. Their impact on the environment and biodiversity is unknown. These materials are currently one of the main direct-placement restorative materials and their success is unquestionable when used and maintained correctly. Mitigation strategies for reducing the impact of pollution on the environment should be considered and implemented by all stakeholders and processes in the supply chain, from manufacturing, clinical use and waste management.

Attitude and performance in controlling dust particles from dental prosthesis and appliance adjustment: a survey of dentists and dental assistants

“…The toxicity of porcelain dust exceeded that of vitallium dust or PMMA dust, with cytotoxicity increasing with longer exposure times and higher concentrations [ 7 ]. Microparticles breakdown from resin-based composites also results in monomer elution that acts as an environmental pollutant [ 13 ]. Particles originate from the dental material itself but also from the grinding bur abrasion during finishing and polishing procedures [ 16 ].…”

“…Self-protection involves personal protective equipment, masks, and face shields, while extraoral devices encompass high-volume evacuators and extraoral suction. In addition to airborne droplets, dental appliances and materials release dust particles during extraoral grinding and adjusting procedures, e.g., composite resin, acrylic resin, metal, porcelain, and ceramics [ 11 – 13 ]. The dust particles originating from dental material grinding exhibit different morphologies, particle sizes, and elemental compositions, leading to varying toxicity levels [ 4 , 7 ].…”

Scoping review on the association between early childhood caries and responsible resource consumption and production: exploring Sustainable Development Goal 12

“…The focus of advocacy efforts to eliminate mercury use in dentistry has primarily been on environmental safety concerns and its connection to SDG12 [ 40 ]. The use of tooth-coloured restorative materials is also an environmental safety movement that promotes substantial waste reduction through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse, thereby contributing to the achievement of SDG 12 [ 41 , 42 ].…”

Does Preheating Influence the Cytotoxic Potential of Dental Resin Composites?

“…However, rapid cooling during removal from the preheater can disturb the exothermic process of polymerization in certain types of RBCs, leading to compromised monomer-to-polymer conversion [ 10 , 11 , 12 ]. The inverse correlation found between the monomer conversion and elution raises biocompatibility issues [ 13 ]. In addition to the DC, the amount of released monomers can be influenced by, among others, the resin matrix system, the quality and quantity of the filler, the porosity of the RBC, and the type of solvent used for monomer extraction [ 14 , 15 ].…”