Release of formaldehyde from dental composites

Polymeric composite materials may contain releasable degradation products or unreacted constituents. Release of formaldehyde from nine different composites was investigated by means of HCHO-hydrazone derivative analyzed with high-performance liquid chromatography. Formation of formaldehyde was found in all the investigated materials. The highest concentrations were observed in specimens polymerized in contact with air. A correlation coefficient, r = 0.83, was found between released formaldehyde and the thickness of the unpolymerized surface inhibition layer. The formaldehyde concentrations were reduced when the inhibition layer was removed prior to testing. A continuous release of formaldehyde was evident during the first ten days. The release decreased with time, but was still detectable after 115 days.