BIS-GMA--based resins in dentistry: are they safe?
BACKGROUND
The authors critically surveyed research dealing with the release of resin components from dental composites and the potential of these agents to mimic or disrupt estrogenic cell responses.


METHODS
The studies reviewed included those on synthetic methods used to make bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate, or BIS-GMA, and the biological effects of this resin in cell culture and animals. The estrogenic effect of bisphenol A was targeted because bisphenol A is present as an impurity in some resins (BIS-GMA) and as a degradation product from other resins (bisphenol A dimethacrylate, or BIS-DMA).


RESULTS
The outcomes of this review revealed that short-term administration of BIS-GMA and/or bisphenol A in animals or cell cultures can induce changes in estrogen-sensitive organs or cells. However, considering the dosages and routes of administration and the modest response of estrogen-sensitive target organs, the authors conclude that the short-term risk of estrogenic effects from treatments using bisphenol A-based resins is insignificant. Long-term effects need to be investigated further.


CONCLUSIONS
Commonly used dental resins should not be of concern to the general public; however, pharmacological evaluation of dental materials is needed to ensure biologically safe and therapeutically effective substances.
University of Florida, College of Dentistry, Department of Biomaterials, Gainesville 32610-0446, USA.
K J
KJ
Söderholm
A
A
Mariotti
D000818:Animals; D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate / Q000737:chemistry / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000378:metabolism; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000009:adverse effects; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010636:Phenols / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000633:toxicity; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000737:chemistry / Q000633:toxicity; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen / Q000819:agonists; D019279:Resin Cements / Q000633:toxicity; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000187:drug effects; D014599:Uterus / Q000187:drug effects; D015262:Xenobiotics / Q000633:toxicity; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds
D001559:Benzhydryl Compounds; D017438:Bisphenol A-Glycidyl Methacrylate; D004968:Estrogens, Non-Steroidal; D010636:Phenols; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants; D011960:Receptors, Estrogen; D019279:Resin Cements; D015262:Xenobiotics; C006780:bisphenol A; D000098826:Bisphenol A Compounds