Hypersensitivity to Dental Composites and Resin-Bonding Agents

Adverse reactions to dental materials are not an uncommon occurrence, although hypersensitivity has gained much renewed interest in light of public concerns over the safety of dental materials. Hypersensitivity can affect both patients and dental professionals and may manifest as either allergic contact dermatitis or stomatitis. Methacrylic monomers, such as MMA, EGDMA, TEGDMA and Bis-GMA, have been documented as causative allergens, however, little has been documented on the risk of such monomers in composites and bonding agents. The purpose of this article is to examine the current evidence and aspects of hypersensitivity to resin composites and bonding systems that are relevant within a dental setting. Clinical relevance: In the dental profession, dental materials have historically been documented as a cause of hypersensitivity. However, there remains little recent evidence on such reactions. The aims of this article are to highlight both the risk of hypersensitivity to dental composites and resin-bonding agents and the importance of reporting adverse reactions appropriately.