The white fillings in your teeth hold a complex secret. Explore the science behind BPA in dental materials and the evolution toward safer solutions.
What many don't realize is that most composite resins—those popular tooth-colored materials—contain derivatives of bisphenol A (BPA), the same chemical that has sparked concerns in plastic bottles and food containers.
BPA is a chemical first synthesized more than a century ago, widely used in the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins 1 . While BPA itself isn't typically used directly in dental materials, it serves as a building block for creating monomers that form the basis of many dental resins 1 .
The primary concern with BPA in dental materials centers on the potential for it to leach into the body. Research indicates that a small and transient increase in BPA levels can be detected in a patient's urine and saliva following treatment with resin-based dental materials 1 .
Majority of BPA release occurs within this timeframe
Soft, underpolymerized layer contains unpolymerized monomers
Can break down to form BPA when exposed to salivary enzymes 1
A 2018 study published in the Journal of Oral Biology provides insightful data on BPA leaching from various dental products 6 .
Researchers dissolved uncured material in methanol and analyzed it for BPA content 6 .
Materials were light-cured according to manufacturer recommendations, then immersed in deionized water 6 .
Samples were tested for BPA release after 24 hours and 2 weeks to assess both immediate and longer-term leaching 6 .
Samples were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS-MS) 6 .
| Material Type | Product Name | BPA Leaching Level | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | Tetric EvoFlow® | Significantly Higher | All conditions |
| Fissure Sealant | DELTON® | Significantly Higher | All conditions |
| Composite | Ceram.X® | Not Significant | 24 hours |
| Fissure Sealant | Clinpro™ Sealant | Not Significant | 24 hours |
The study revealed that BPA release was material-dependent, with significant variations between different products. Interestingly, researchers found no significant difference in the amount of leached BPA after 24 hours compared to 2 weeks, suggesting that the primary exposure occurs shortly after placement rather than being a continuous long-term release 6 .
Regulatory agencies have established tolerable daily intake (TDI) levels for BPA to help contextualize potential risks.
The European Food Safety Authority recently lowered its TDI from 50 to 4 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day due to concerns about effects on kidney and breast tissue 6 .
| Source | Estimated Exposure | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Dental Materials (children, short-term) | 140 ng/kg/day | Well below TDI of 4,000 ng/kg/day |
| Dental Materials (children, long-term) | 2 ng/kg/day | Minimal ongoing exposure |
| Food Packaging | Varies widely | Primary exposure source for most |
| Temporary TDI | 4,000 ng/kg/day | European Food Safety Authority standard |
A significant paradigm shift is occurring in dental materials science toward biomimetic approaches that mimic natural teeth 2 .
The goal is to create restorative materials that not only repair teeth but actively participate in maintaining oral health by replicating the natural structure and function of dental tissues.
Using bioinspired peptides to achieve remineralization
Creating biomimetic biomaterials that interact with biological systems
For regeneration of lost or damaged dental tissues 2
Some manufacturers have developed composite materials that are free of BPA and its derivatives .
What does the research mean for your next dental visit? Here are practical strategies to minimize potential risks.
Inquire about BPA-free composite materials. As one dental practice notes: "In our office, we use only BPA- and fluoride-free filling materials" .
For certain applications, ceramics offer a broadly biocompatible, BPA-free option for dental restorations such as inlays, onlays, and crowns .
If you already have composite fillings or sealants, there's little benefit in removing them solely due to BPA concerns. Research consistently shows that most BPA exposure occurs during placement, with levels quickly dropping to near zero within days .
Pros: Aesthetic, bond directly to tooth
Cons: May contain BPA derivatives
Pros: Biocompatible, BPA-free
Cons: More expensive, multiple visits
Dentists can reduce potential BPA exposure by:
The journey toward ideal dental materials continues, with researchers striving to develop solutions that are not only effective and durable but also entirely biocompatible. The emerging frontier includes bioactive materials that actively contribute to oral health by releasing beneficial ions and promoting remineralization 7 , and peptide-based systems that guide the natural healing processes of teeth 7 .
"Understanding of biomaterial–tissue interaction at the nano and microscale further enhanced the restorative materials' properties to mimic natural teeth" 2 . This sophisticated approach represents the future of restorative dentistry—moving beyond merely filling cavities to creating materials that actively participate in maintaining oral health.
While BPA in dental materials warrants thoughtful consideration, the current scientific evidence suggests that any potential risk is relatively small, particularly when weighed against the benefits of preserving tooth structure and function. By staying informed about emerging research and discussing options with your dental provider, you can make educated decisions that align with both your oral health goals and overall wellness priorities.