Non-toxic fillings

Composite fillings promised to be less toxic than amalgam, the metal filling material that releases mercury vapor (amalgam has been banned in the EU since January 2025, not being considered a safe material for human health).

In reality, however, there is increasing discussion about the fact that in classic composite there are potentially harmful substances that are released from the material during polymerization (the process of hardening the material under the light of a special lamp) but also in the long term, due to its degradation in contact with the oral environment.

These substances are monomers such as Bis-GMA, UDMA, TEGDMA, HEMA, with cytotoxic and genotoxic effects, especially on cells in the dental pulp (tooth nerve).

An interesting element is that the presence of TEGDMA stimulates the growth of bacteria responsible for the appearance of caries near and under the filling, namely Streptococus Mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus sobrinus, S. salivarius. This may largely explain the appearance of secondary caries under the composite filling.

In vitro studies have demonstrated that TEGDMA also has a cytotoxic effect on human gingival cells (periodontal ligament fibroblasts).

Also, classic composites can release ions of Fluorine, Strontium, Aluminum, Iron, Copper, the last 3 being found in potentially toxic concentrations.

Another questionable ingredient is BPA, a well-known endocrine disruptor. So far, studies show that it takes multiple composite fillings in the same oral cavity to release enough BPA to cause imbalances. However, more extensive studies are needed to determine the safety of these materials in children.