Elution parameters and HPLC-detection of single components from resin composite

The toxic effects of mercury derived from amalgam fillings have been a focus of controversy in Germany during the last 25 years. As alternatives to amalgam, composites are used widely to restore anterior and posterior permanent teeth. This study quantifies the amount of TEGDMA and methacrylic acid that can be derived from a polymerized commercial hybrid composite material. Different specimens were made with different curing methods with and without an oxygen inhibition layer. To simulate the removal of composite fillings, some samples were pulverized. The specimens were eluted in distilled water at 37 degrees C for different time intervals. To check the influence of acid conditions, pulverized material was incubated in 6 M HCl. The separation of the eluted chemical resin components was done by HPLC. A defined mixture of pure components was used as an external standard for the identification and quantification of the eluted components. The results focus on the release of triethylengly-coldimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and methacrylic acid. Concerning the different incubation methods, the results showed higher TEGDMA elution with oxygen inhibited surface layer and with the pulverized samples. Within acid conditions, the amount of TEGDMA found was low, but the amount of methacrylic acid increased. Small resin monomers like TEGDMA are primarily eluted from composite in aqueous solutions. Within acid conditions a hydrolytic disintegration of the ester bonding of the monomers could be observed. Methacrylic acid--a substance with allergenic potential--could be detected.