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It is controversial whether the dental resinous materials containing 2,2-bis[4-(2-hydroxy-3-methacryloyloxypropoxy)phenyl]propane (Bis-GMA), which is synthesized from the estrogenic compound bisphenol A (BPA), include unreacted BPA and/or can mimic the effects of natural steroid hormones. In the present study, the estrogenic activities of 3 fissure sealants and 5 adhesive resins, which were all unpolymerized, were determined by means of a reporter gene assay, and the relevance of the components to the estrogenicity was investigated. Two commercially available sealants were confirmed to have estrogenic activity, although none of the tested materials contained BPA. In contrast, hydrophobic monomer bisphenol A dimethacrylate (BPA-DMA), which is also estrogenic, was found to be included in these estrogenic sealants in an amount greater than the minimum concentration to show estrogenicity. This suggests that the estrogenicity of the two proprietary sealants was associated with BPA-DMA rather than with BPA.

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., Types of Studies Reviewed: 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., Clinical Implications: 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.