Elution of cadmium from dentures

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Toxicology

Background:

• Acrylic resins are widely used in dental prosthetics, particularly for denture bases.
• Concerns exist regarding the potential leaching of metal ions from denture materials into the oral environment.
• Stellon is a specific type of heat-cured acrylic resin used for maxillary dentures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the elution of cadmium from Stellon maxillary acrylic denture blanks.
• To assess the influence of synthetic saliva and acetic acid on cadmium release.
• To determine the relationship between elution time and cadmium concentration.

Main Methods:

• Heat-cured Stellon maxillary denture blanks were subjected to elution tests.
• Samples were immersed in synthetic saliva and 0.1N acetic acid solutions.
• Cadmium concentrations were measured using analytical techniques, varying elution times.

Main Results:

• Cadmium elution from Stellon in synthetic saliva ranged from 0.15 to 1.05 µg, independent of elution time.
• In 0.1N acetic acid, cadmium amounts ranged from 1.20 to 2.55 µg and increased with elution time.
• A separate batch of Stellon exhibited higher cadmium values when tested in 0.1N acetic acid.

Conclusions:

• Stellon acrylic denture material can release cadmium into oral simulants.
• Acetic acid significantly enhances cadmium elution compared to synthetic saliva.
• Elution time is a critical factor for cadmium release in acidic environments, suggesting potential long-term risks.