CELLULAR INFLAMMATORY RESPONSES TO DIRECT RESTORATIVE COMPOSITE RESINS

As a result of shaping, finishing, or removal of dental composite resi n restorations, resin particles may become trapped and embedded in ora l tissues. However, tissue reactions induced by entrapped composite re sin particles have not been thoroughly examined. To assess the soft ti ssue inflammatory response to composite restorative materials, three c ommercial dental composite resin suspensions were implanted subcutaneo usly in rats. Implantation resulted in a granulomatous inflammatory re action that persisted 8 weeks after placement. The lesion was characte rized by an influx of lymphocytes and the presence of fibroblasts and epithelioid cells. Composite resin particles have the potential to cau se persistent inflammation if they are entrapped in oral tissues.