A BPA-free treatment process

What is BPA?

BPA is a chemical compound, which is used to manufacture various plastic materials. The small molecule’s chemical structure has been suited to producing strong, clear plastics which are light and have a high melting point. Because of these properties, BPA has been versatile, appropriate for use when creating a range of products including glasses lenses and water bottles.[ii] Within dentistry, BPA has been used in the manufacture of composite resins.[iii] This being said, the problem begins when the plastics begin to break down. This happens when they are exposed to water and heat, allowing BPA to leach out of the material.ⁱⁱ

There has been much publicity surrounding the dangers which BPA presents, with much conversation addressing concerns for children and their development, as well as a growing discussion surrounding the effects on adults. It has the potential for toxicity, which has raised concerns for some groups due to its potential impact on patients’ health. It is widely accepted that BPA produces adverse oestrogenic effects. This has led to regulations which ban the chemical in items such as food containers.ⁱⁱⁱ Research has found BPA or its derivatives in the saliva or urine of patients who have had composite resin placed.ⁱⁱⁱ

Accommodating patients’ needs

Children and pregnant women are at particular risk. This is because research has found that exposure to BPA during pregnancy could induce a number of health complications including miscarriage, reduced birth weight, and disrupted neurodevelopment in children.ⁱⁱⁱ These risks are likely to cause some at-risk patients to avoid products containing BPA as much as possible. However, any patient may have concerns regarding the effects of BPA on their health. Because of this, it is important to have a good knowledge of the products that you use in practice, be aware of alternative options available, and adjust your workflow to meet the demands of your patients, particularly when treating at-risk groups.

Across any area of dentistry, it is important to take your patients’ wishes into account when planning treatment. With many patients concerned about exactly what chemicals and materials will be used during their treatments, it is important to be able to provide them with the information they need about the products you are using, and meet their needs where you can.

Adapting the restorative workflow

Dental materials containing BPA are widespread, so it is important to be knowledgeable about the specific products you are using. When it comes to restorative materials, for example, research suggests that over 86% of products contain BPA derivatives, with just 18 composite products free of those molecules.ⁱⁱⁱ This illustrates the likelihood that a dental practice could be regularly using restorative materials which patients may object to. Because of this, it is important to explore your options carefully, and seek out alternative solutions which can be used should your practice move away from products containing BPA, or should a patient be considered high-risk or request a material which is BPA-free.

When carrying out any restorative procedure, be it direct or indirect, 3M Oral Care provides you with a complete BPA-free workflow.* This allows you to be prepared to care for patients who request the use of products free from BPA-derivatives during their care. Scotchbond Universal Plus Adhesive from 3M Oral Care provides you with the bond strength you need.* RelyX Universal Resin Cement from 3M Oral Care is ideal when providing an indirect treatment option.* And, Filtek Universal Restorative and Filtek One bulk fill restorative from 3M Oral Care are the perfect options for providing high-quality BPA-free direct restorative procedures.*

By simplifying and adjusting your restorative workflow to accommodate the needs of your patients, you can be sure that you are providing them with
the care that they need, without compromising on quality. With many people gaining a better understanding of the consequences BPA can have for the health of both children and adults. Because of this, many dental practices may consider swapping their materials to BPA-free alternatives, to protect the health of their patients.

For more information, call 08705 360 036 or visit
www.go.3M.com/ocsdpr

3M Scotchbond, RelyX and Filtek are trademarks of the 3M Company.

* 3M Internal data

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[i] Marzouk, T., et al. “A systematic review of exposure to bisphenol a from dental treatment.” JDR Clinical & Translational Research 4.2 (2019): 106-115.

[ii] The Conversation. What is BPA and why is it in so many plastic products? Accessed May 23. https://theconversation.com/what-is-bpa-and-why-is-it-in-so-many-plastic-products-185272

[iii] Dursun E, Fron-Chabouis H, Attal JP, Raskin A. Bisphenol A Release: Survey of the Composition of Dental Composite Resins. Open Dent J. 2016 Aug 31;10:446-453. doi: 10.2174/1874210601610010446. PMID: 27708726; PMCID: PMC5039892.