1 Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, Ondokuz Mayis University, Samsun, Türkiye
2 Pedodontics specialist, Ministry of Health, Merzifon, Türkiye
Introduction. Heavy metals and trace elements released from pediatric dental restoratives are a matter of interest. Aim of the study: The aim of this study was to determine the amount of aluminum, boron, nickel, copper, zinc, barium, lead, arsenic, selenium, antimony, and iron released from five different pediatric dental restoratives stored in ultra-distilled water. Material and Methods. The materials were a traditional glass ionomer, a bulk-fill glass ionomer, a resin-modified glass ionomer, a glass carbomer fill, and a compomer. Ten cylindrical (10 × 2 mm) specimens were prepared from each material. Each sample was stored in 50 mL ultra-distilled water (18MΩ.cm) at 37 °C for 14 days and rinsed twice daily. The amount of elements in the solutions was determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. In addition, pH and electrical conductivity were evaluated for each material. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA, Duncan’s multiple range test and independent samples t-test for two-group comparisons (p < 0.05). Results. Aluminum, boron, nickel, copper, zinc, barium and lead were detected in all solutions (p<0.05). The traditional glass ionomer and resin-modified glass ionomer released arsenic (p<0.05), the bulk-fill glass ionomer and compomer released selenium (p>0.05), and the resin-modified glass ionomer and compomer released antimony (p<0.05). Only the resin-modified glass ionomer released iron. The lowest pH and electrical conductivity were observed in the compomer (p<0.05). Conclusion. All materials tested released some heavy metals and trace elements, but the rates were quite low. Therefore, these materials should be safe to use in pediatric dentistry.