USE OF POLYMER MATERIALS IN DENTAL CLINICS, CASE-STUDY

Dentistry uses a variety of different polymer materials. Dental polyme r materials are based on methacrylate, its polymer, and polyelectrolyt es. The setting of restorative materials and adhesives is initiated ch emically by mixing two components or by light. In both cases, polymeri sation is incomplete and monomers, not reacted, release. Studies have documented that monomers may cause a wide range of adverse health effe cts such as irritation to skin, eyes or mucous membranes, allergic der matitis, asthma, parenthesise in the fingers, and disturbances from ce ntral nervous system such as; headache, pain in the extremities, nause a, loss of appetite, fatigue, sleep disturbances, irritability, loss o f memory and changes in blood parameters. Dental personnel are occupat ionally exposed when handling the non reacted monomers. The use of glo ves do not give enough protection as monomers, released from the mater ial, easily penetrate all gloves used in dentistry. Face masks do not prevent inhalation of monomers. Ordinary glasses do not protect the ey es against vapor from monomers. The result from this study demonstrate the need for the development of ergonomic procedures and practices fo r safe handling of such materials in dental clinics.