Methods: The tested resin cements were Variolink II (Ivoclar), Rely X ARC (3M ESPE), ResiLute (Pulpdent), Nexus 2 (Kerr), Rely X Unicem (3M ESPE) and SuperBond C&B (Sun Medical). Disc shaped specimens (5 mm in diameter, 2mm in height) were polymerized and stored in ethanol/deionized water solution for 3 days. The residual acrylates and products of resin cements in solution were identified by using gas chromatography with mass-selective detection and liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Among components detected were monomers, co-monomers, initiators, stabilizers, decomposition products and contaminants. Identification was confirmed with reference substances, if available.
Results: The identified residual acrylates which are not reported in safety data sheets were Methyl methacrylate (MMA), Bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), Bisfenol A for Variolink II, MMA, BADGE, Urethan dimethacrylate (UDMA) for Rely X ARC, MMA, UDMA, BADGE, HEMA, TEGDMA, Bis 2,2-bis-[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropoxy) phenyl]-propane (Bis-GMA) for ResiLute, MMA, UDMA, TEGDMA, HEMA, BADGE, Bisphenol A dimethacrylate (BisDMA), Bis-GMA for Nexus 2, Bis-GMA, UDMA, BADGE, Bisfenol A, Bisfenol A Ethoxylate, HEMA, MMA for Rely X Unicem, HEMA, UDMA, BADGE, Bis-GMA for SuperBond C&B.
Conclusions: The study demonstrated that the tested products contained acrylates which are not reported in the safety data sheets. Safety data sheets need to be improved so that the health risks for patients and dental personnel can be reliably assessed.