In vitro elution of leachable components from dental sealants

Abstract

Recent concerns have been raised about estrogenic chemicals, mainly bisphenol-A (BPA), being leached out of dental seaIants. The aim of this in vitro study was to identify and quantify BPA and other components released from seven light cured fissure sealants (Delton, Dentsply; Concise, 3M; Helioseal, Vivadent; Prisma:Shield, Dentsply; Seal-Rite l & l, Pulpdent; Defender, Henry Schein). Fifty microIiters of each seaIant was placed in a gIass dappen dish and cured for 50 seconds. After curing, the sample was removed from the dappen dish, weighed and transferred to a test tube. Each sealant sample was extracted with 95% ethanol for 4 minutes, the samples were removed from the ethanol and the extracts were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Standard solutions containing BPA, triethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA), bis-glycidyl dimethacrylate (Bis-GMA), urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) and bisphenol-A dimethacrylate (Bis-DMA) were analyzed by HPLC under the same conditions. All chromatograms of the extracts were compared to the standards for identification of the components in each sample. One of the tested sealants, Delton was selected for further analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy (GC/MS). Results showed that BPA was not released from any of the sealants tested. Delton and Concise leached significantly more TEGDMA than Helioseal, Prisma:shield and Defender (ANOVA, P[less than]0.05). Prisma:shield, Seal-Rite I and Defender had significantly lower Bis-GMA leachability than Helioseal, Concise and Delton (ANOVA, P[less than]0.05). Only Seal-Rite II eluted UDMA. Two sealants eluted Bis-DMA (Delton, Defender). At present, since the concern about BPA leaching out of dental sealants is unwarranted, it is believed that there is no need to change or restrict the use of dental seaIants in children or adult patients. However, further studies may be required to assess the biologic effects of the other leached components that were detected.