Effect Of Light Curing On The Inorganic And Organic Composition Of A Composite Resin-Based Dental Material: A Chromatographic And Spectroscopic Analysis

Background In the backdrop of a global phase-down of dental amalgams, composite resins have emerged as promising alternatives, but their complex composition raises questions about safety. This study aims to elucidate extractables and determine the extent of polymerization of Bisphenol A (BPA)-derived monomers from a commercially available composite resin-based dental material. Methods Differences in inorganic and organic composition between pre-cured and post-cured samples were analyzed. Thermogravimetric analysis assessed the thermolability of pre-cured samples. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy and ion chromatography were used for analysis of cationic and anionic composition. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed for analysis of organic resins. Results The study revealed a 25.12% weight loss in pre-cured samples during calcination at 500°C, indicating thermal degradation of volatile components. Inorganic composition alterations were observed, with reductions in cations and anions in both pre and post-cured samples. GC-MS analysis showed the presence of UDMA, Bis-GMA, and Bis-EMA in pre-cured samples, while post-cured samples exhibited effective polymerization, containing only UDMA. Conclusion The study concludes that pre-cured samples contain Bis-GMA and Bis-EMA, and the novel laser sintering and light curing processes under high temperature and pressure results in effective polymerization of free monomers, maintaining clinically meaningful amounts of inorganic fillers.