Adverse Effect of Residual Monomer Used in Denture Base Acrylic Resins

Abstract

Background: Acrylic-based resins are commonly used in daily dental practice as bases of removable partial or complete dentures and tooth-supported or implant retained over-dentures in order to replace the lost tissue structure and divide masticatory forces from the denture to the underlying residual ridges. Poly-methyl methacrylate (PMMA) based acrylic resins are most commonly used. Polymerization leads to conversion of MMA to PMMA during the polymerization reaction not all the monomers are converted into polymers, thus some unreacted monomers which is called as residual monomers are left. The residual monomer is left which might leach into saliva which causes various degrees of cytotoxicity and allergic responses.  The present study was conducted with the aim to determine the adverse effect of residual monomer. Aim: The residual monomer left during polymerization causes various degrees of cytotoxicity and allergic responses.  The present study was conducted with the aim to determine the adverse effect of residual monomer. Subjects and Methods: This study was conducted in dental department of our college. An informed consent was obtained by each patient prior enrolling in the study. A total of 78 patients were analysed during the 6 months study, with age group of 14 years to 75 years. All the patients were basically divided according to the treatment undergone by them. Results: Out of 78 patients enrolled in the study, 43 were females whereas 35 were males. (graph1). Group A comprised of 17 patients in total, group B comprised of 22 and group C comprised of 39 patients respectively (graph2). The severity of the discomfort was then recorded, and was categorised according to the respective groups (table1). Majority patients complained about the orthodontic appliances, secondly about the temporary crowns and least patients complained about the denture bases. Conclusion: The methods and conditions of polymerization and their biodegradation in the oral environment needs to be studied well. Cytotoxic effect of denture base acrylic resins can be directly related to the methods and the conditions of polymerization, the powder to liquid ratio, storage time, polymerization method and curing cycle.