Journal of Dental Research, Vol 67, 1295-1299, Copyright © 1988 by International & American Associations for Dental Research Online Journals
The release of residual monomeric methyl methacrylate from acrylic appliances in the human mouth: an assay for monomer in saliva
S. Baker, S. C. Brooks and D. M. Walker
Department of Oral Surgery, Dental School, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff, United Kingdom.
A gas-liquid chromatography assay has been developed for the estimation of
methyl methacrylate monomer (MMA) in whole saliva, with a lower limit of
detection in the order of 1 microgram/mL. Healthy human dentate subjects
wore recently made autopolymerized or heat-polymerized polymethyl
methacrylate (PMMA) palatal appliances. MMA released into saliva was
detected for up to one week after insertion of autopolymerized appliances,
with a maximum concentration of 45 micrograms/mL in whole saliva or 180
micrograms/mL in the salivary film on the fitting surface. The MMA was not
detected in blood or urine. MMA was also present in the saliva of
volunteers wearing appliances which had been heat-polymerized at 70 degrees
C for one hr but not cured at 70 degrees C for three hr. The maximum amount
of monomer released by an autopolymerized base plate was 29.5 micrograms in
the first hour, which, while not a toxic or primary irritant dose, could
possibly sensitize patients or elicit an allergic reaction. For
minimization of monomer release, autopolymerized appliances should be
immersed for 24 hr in water before being worn.
