[Amalgam. VIII. Substitute for amalgam: the biocompatibility of composite restorations]

Because of cosmetic reason and fear of mercury released from amalgam, many patients prefer tooth coloured restorations, i.e. made of composite. However, like in the case of amalgam, one has to ask whether composite is a biocompatible material. Whether or not biotransformed, all components of composite may be released. Damage to the pulp of teeth restored with composite has been proven to be due to bacterial leakage, which in turn is a consequence of the shrinkage associated with the material itself. Rarely local and general symptoms of allergy appear, but they may become more common, as is already the case with the dentists and their assistants. Toxicity of composite seems unlikely in view of their smallness and carcinogenicity for the time being is excluded.