Microplastics in Dentistry—A Review
171
Charasseangpaisarn and Wiwatwarrapan [11] studied the interaction between
ultrasonic treatment and acrylic resins and found significant reduction in the presence
of residual monomer contents. MMA under heat-polymerization reduced the residual
monomer content. It was found that ultrasonic treatment could enhance the extraction
rate of the residual monomer from the resin and could cause postpolymerization of
the residual monomer.
Sakr and Alhablain [45] studied the knowledge and attitude of dental students and
intern practitioners about usage of nanotechnology in dental practice. Nano materials
are widely used these days for the production of dental materials, however, they have
reported cytotoxic effects particularly in studies done on animals [21]. Study showed
that majority of the participant had less knowledge about nanotechnology in dentistry.
6 Recommendations for Future Studies
Though there are many studies done suggesting the potential toxicity of microplastics
used in dentistry, most of them are in vitro assessments. More in vivo studies need to
be done to assess the long-term impact of these polymers on human body. Majority
of the research done regarding the impact of polymer resin and additives in dentistry
has stated the harmful effects of these chemicals on the human body. However, there
is a dearth of knowledge among the practitioners in general regarding its ill effects.
There are limited study done on the knowledge and attitude of practitioners related
to this subject though there are plenty of cross-sectional studies regarding general
waste and hazardous waste impact. Sustainable use of these polymers in the field
of dentistry requires strict adherence to policies which need to be taken care by the
regulatory bodies. More insight into policy regulations with respect to manufacturing
and treatment stages of RBC or polymer materials in dentistry is required in the
present scenario.
7 Conclusion
The impact of microplastic polymer particles and there potential toxicity in dentistry
is always a topic of debate. Since dentist are the connecting link between manufacturers of these dental materials and the patients they can do significant contribution
in ensuring the right use of it. In order to prevent the harmful effects associated with
the usage of these materials, monomer polymer conversion rate is crucial. Heat-cure
resins should be preferred over self-cure resins.
Studies have shown that dental products containing the Bis-GMA have less estrogenicity than those containing bis-DMA. It is always better to store such dentures,
and polymeric devices, in water under a temperature of 37 °C to remove the leachable
material present. Also strict regulation on the usage of BPA need to be communicated
to the manufacturers in curbing the over dosage of the same. It is also imperative for
171
Charasseangpaisarn and Wiwatwarrapan [11] studied the interaction between
ultrasonic treatment and acrylic resins and found significant reduction in the presence
of residual monomer contents. MMA under heat-polymerization reduced the residual
monomer content. It was found that ultrasonic treatment could enhance the extraction
rate of the residual monomer from the resin and could cause postpolymerization of
the residual monomer.
Sakr and Alhablain [45] studied the knowledge and attitude of dental students and
intern practitioners about usage of nanotechnology in dental practice. Nano materials
are widely used these days for the production of dental materials, however, they have
reported cytotoxic effects particularly in studies done on animals [21]. Study showed
that majority of the participant had less knowledge about nanotechnology in dentistry.
6 Recommendations for Future Studies
Though there are many studies done suggesting the potential toxicity of microplastics
used in dentistry, most of them are in vitro assessments. More in vivo studies need to
be done to assess the long-term impact of these polymers on human body. Majority
of the research done regarding the impact of polymer resin and additives in dentistry
has stated the harmful effects of these chemicals on the human body. However, there
is a dearth of knowledge among the practitioners in general regarding its ill effects.
There are limited study done on the knowledge and attitude of practitioners related
to this subject though there are plenty of cross-sectional studies regarding general
waste and hazardous waste impact. Sustainable use of these polymers in the field
of dentistry requires strict adherence to policies which need to be taken care by the
regulatory bodies. More insight into policy regulations with respect to manufacturing
and treatment stages of RBC or polymer materials in dentistry is required in the
present scenario.
7 Conclusion
The impact of microplastic polymer particles and there potential toxicity in dentistry
is always a topic of debate. Since dentist are the connecting link between manufacturers of these dental materials and the patients they can do significant contribution
in ensuring the right use of it. In order to prevent the harmful effects associated with
the usage of these materials, monomer polymer conversion rate is crucial. Heat-cure
resins should be preferred over self-cure resins.
Studies have shown that dental products containing the Bis-GMA have less estrogenicity than those containing bis-DMA. It is always better to store such dentures,
and polymeric devices, in water under a temperature of 37 °C to remove the leachable
material present. Also strict regulation on the usage of BPA need to be communicated
to the manufacturers in curbing the over dosage of the same. It is also imperative for