Solid phase extraction and HPLC analysis of toxic components eluted from methyl methacrylate dental materials.

Methyl methacrylate polymer (PolyMMA) is widely used as the composite resin for the dental plate. During the fabrication process of PolyMMA for the polymerization reaction, benzoylperoxide (BPO) and N,N-dimethyl p-toluidine (DMPT) are added as the initiator and the stimulator, respectively. Because these compounds exhibit toxicity as well as a residue potential, their use raises concerns regarding human safety. The degree of dissolution into serum was determined to evaluate risk to the user. Analysis was by HPLC combined with solid-phase extraction using a C-18 column. The eluted compounds were found to be in the order of 10 to 100 ppm.