What factors affect the severity of permanent tooth impaction?

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between the severity of permanent tooth impaction and a number of predefined factors, including tooth type, age, gender, tooth agenesis, microdontia of maxillary lateral incisor, and retained deciduous predecessors. METHODS: A sample of 2979 dental patients, aged 15 to 40 years, was surveyed by two calibrated examiners for permanent tooth impaction (excluding third molars). On panoramic radiographs, the impacted teeth were initially ranked based on their vertical, horizontal, and angular positions, and the ranking was then analysed for distribution by the predefined factors. To test the age factor, patients were divided into younger (15 to 25 yr) and older (between 25 and 40 yr) age groups. The statistical significance of the ranked vertical, horizontal, and angular positions of impacted teeth by the investigated factors was determined using the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: The angular position of the impacted teeth was more severe in the older age group (P = 0.012) and in females (P = 0.018). The maxillary canine had more severe horizontal (P = 0.001) and angular (P = 0.003) impactions in females. Tooth agenesis was associated with less severe horizontal impaction (P = 0.041) in the mandibular second premolar. In addition, microdontia of the maxillary lateral incisor was associated with more severe horizontal impaction in general, and more severe horizontal (P = 0.024) and angular (P = 0.010) impaction of the mandibular second premolar in particular. Finally, our results showed that a retained deciduous predecessor was linked to a less severe vertical impaction of the mandibular second premolar (P = 0.030) and horizontal impaction of the maxillary second premolar (P = 0.037) but more severe angular impaction of the mandibular canine. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that the more delayed the treatment, being a female, the presence of maxillary lateral incisor with microdontia, and retained lower deciduous canines might be associated with more severe position of the impacted teeth. Because the severity of tooth impaction would follow different patterns when considering the investigated factors, it is mandatory to include such factors during dental diagnoses and the planning of preventive or interceptive interventions for young patients.

Prevalence and distribution of dental anomalies: a comparison between maxillary and mandibular tooth agenesis.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the pattern and prevalence of associated dental anomalies between maxillary and mandibular tooth agenesis (hypodontia). METHODS: A sample of 3315 dental patients, aged 8.6 to 25.4 years, was surveyed for tooth agenesis (excluding third molars): 106 subjects were diagnosed with maxillary hypodontia (group 1) and 70 with mandibular hypodontia (group 2). Both groups were examined for the following dental anomalies: retained deciduous molars, infraocclusion of deciduous molars, impaction, microdontia of maxillary lateral incisors, supernumerary teeth, transposition, transmigration, and ectopic eruption of the permanent molars. For statistical testing, the chi-square test (P <0.05) was used to compare the occurrences of these anomalies among the groups. RESULTS: We found that 77.5% of the patients in the mandibular hypodontia group had at least 1 dental anomaly compared with 49.5% in the maxillary hypodontia group (P <0.0001). The only dental anomaly with a significantly increased prevalence in the maxillary hypodontia group compared with the mandibular hypodontia group was microdontia of the maxillary lateral incisors (groups 1, 46.7%; group 2, 12.9%; P <0.0001). On the other hand, the prevalences of retained deciduous molars (group 1, 9.4%; group 2, 60.0%), infraoccluded deciduous molars (group 1, 0.9%; group 2, 7.1%), and impacted teeth (group 1, 22.6%; group 2, 38.6%) were significantly higher in the mandibular hypodontia group. The prevalences of supernumerary teeth, transposition, transmigration, and ectopic eruption of permanent molars were low and not significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Tooth agenesis isolated to the maxilla is frequently associated with microdontia of the maxillary lateral incisors, whereas tooth agenesis isolated to the mandible is frequently associated with retained deciduous molars, infraoccluded deciduous molars, and impacted teeth. The results of this study may provide additional evidence supporting the field-specific genetic control theory for dental development in both jaws.

A prospective case series in regenerative endodontics: The effective use of diluted antibiotic hydrogels in endodontic regeneration procedures.

Objective: to investigate the effectiveness of diluted antibiotic hydrogels in endodontic regeneration procedures. Materials and Methods: One conventional treatment (calcium hydroxide) and two experimental treatments containing 1 mg/mL antibiotic in gel (MC-TAP and MC-DAP) were prepared for this study. The effect of these medicaments on the proliferation and differentiation potential of dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) was examined before their clinical use, using WST and ALP assays. Twenty-two teeth diagnosed with necrotic immature roots were treated with calcium hydroxide, MC-TAP or MC-DAP using the endodontic regeneration protocol as described by the American Association of Endodontists (AAE). Teeth were examined after application of the medicament, at the time of regeneration and after 12-24 months. Results: All treated teeth showed resolution of signs and symptoms shortly after treatment with the different medicaments. However, signs and symptoms returned a few months after initial treatment in clinical cases treated with MC-DAP. All successfully treated teeth examined after 12-24 months were free of signs and symptoms, but vitality was not achieved. Conclusion: Low concentration antibiotic gel containing triple antibiotic paste (MC-TAP) can be successfully used for endodontic regeneration procedures.

Maximum occlusal bite forces in Jordanian individuals with different dentofacial vertical skeletal patterns.

This study was carried out to record maximum occlusal bite force (MBF) in Jordanian students with three different facial types: short, average, and long, and to determine the effect of gender, type of functional occlusion, and the presence of premature contacts and parafunctional habits on MBF. Sixty dental students (30 males and 30 females) were divided into three equal groups based on the maxillomandibular planes angle (Max/Mand) and degree of anterior overlap: included short-faced students with a deep anterior overbite (Max/Mand < or = 22 degrees), normal-faced students with a normal overbite that served as the controls (Max/Mand = 27 +/- 5 degrees), and long-faced students with an anterior open bite (Max/Mand > or = 32 degrees). Their age ranged between 20 and 23 years. MBF was measured using a hydraulic occlusal force gauge. Occlusal factors, including the type of functional occlusion, the presence of premature contacts, and parafunctional habits, were recorded. Differences between groups were assessed using a t-test and analysis of variance. The average MBF in Jordanian adults was 573.42 +/- 140.18 N. Those with a short face had the highest MBF (679.60 +/- 117.46 N) while the long-face types had the lowest MBF (453.57 +/- 98.30 N; P < 0.001). The average MBF was 599.02 +/- 145.91 in males and 546.97 +/- 131.18 in females (P = 0.149). No gender differences were observed. The average MBF was higher in patients with premature contacts than those without, while it did not differ in subjects with different types of functional occlusion or in the presence of parafunctional habits.

Dental Student Perspectives of a Comprehensive-Based Teaching Methodology: A Confidence, Effectiveness, and Challenge Report.

Background/Objectives. The holistic methodology in education has been widely appreciated and implicated in dental schools in the last decade. Our department of conservative dentistry decided to reform the educational model of teaching from a traditional requirement-based model to a hybrid model incorporating comprehensive care treatment. The aim of our study was to assess students' confidence and perspectives regarding the benefits of a comprehensive model of teaching. Materials and Methods. A questionnaire was distributed at the end of the academic year 2018-2019 and designed to investigate students' opinions on the benefits of the new model of teaching, as well as difficulties encountered and possible shortcomings. In addition, self-perceived confidence level was assessed for the purpose of comparing confidence during supervised tasks versus confidence during comprehensive patient care. Results. Complete responses were gathered from 127 students out of 202, giving a response rate of 63%. The majority of students believed that the comprehensive model of teaching allowed them to better address patients' needs, gave higher satisfaction, positively influenced self-confidence, permitted greater exposure to clinical techniques, and enhanced reasoning and analytical skills. However, their confidence was still lower in comprehensive patient management when compared to supervised tasks. Conclusion. Our students showed an appreciation of the comprehensive care model. Self-learning and didactic skills were enhanced. It would, therefore, be beneficial to adapt this methodology to earlier years and other disciplines to enhance the effectiveness of education and achievement of learning outcomes.

Satisfaction of optional pairing in clinical dental training.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the perceived satisfaction of optional pairing in undergraduate clinical dental training of fourth- and fifth-year dental students and newly graduated intern dentists in the subject of conservative dentistry and endodontics. METHODS: Data were collected through a paper-based 2-part questionnaire. The first part was made of 3 questions; gender, undergraduate dental year, and grade point average (GPA). The second part involved 9 questions about assistant student-year level preference, satisfaction of optional pairing and main advantages and disadvantages of pairing. Statistical analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and Chi-square test to investigate any statistically significant differences. RESULTS: A total of 92.4% were satisfied with optional clinical pairing. Satisfied respondents reported most prevalent advantages were speeding things up (88.5%) and helping in transferring instruments and materials (85.6%). Unsatisfied respondents reported the most prevalent disadvantages were like to work independently (56.8%) and the assistant was not always cooperative (32.4%). Students with low grade point averages (GPAs) felt incompetent to work in pairs compared with high GPA students (P = 0.001). Only 32.4% of participants thought that the assistant student should be given an evaluation mark. About 75% of respondents reported that clinical pairing improved their diagnostic skills and treatment planning. CONCLUSIONS: Optional pairing in clinical dental training had a high satisfaction percentage. Allowing students to choose their own assistants may reduce pairing disadvantages and enhance its advantages. Students may gain a mentoring benefit from being encouraged to optionally pair with similar or higher study-year students.

Periodontal status of patients with metabolic syndrome compared to those without metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MeS) is common among Arab populations in Mediterranean countries. This study was conducted to assess the distribution of periodontal parameters among patients with MeS and subjects without MeS in northern Jordan. METHODS: A list of all subjects aged > or =25 years who participated in a previous study that aimed to estimate the prevalence of MeS in northern Jordan was obtained. A simple random sample of 78 patients who had MeS and another simple random sample of 78 persons who did not have MeS were selected and invited for dental examination. The oral hygiene of six selected teeth and the periodontal status of all teeth, excluding third molars, were assessed using the plaque index of Silness and Löe, the gingival index of Löe and Silness, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Data were analyzed using the general linear model multivariate procedure with average PD, average CAL, percentage of sites with CAL > or =3 mm, and percentage of sites with PD > or =3 mm as outcome variables and MeS and its individual components as predictors. RESULTS: In the multivariate analysis, the severity of periodontal disease, as measured by average PD and average CAL, and the extent of periodontal disease, as measured by the percentage of sites with CAL > or =3 mm and the percentage of sites with PD > or =3 mm, were significantly greater among patients with MeS compared to those without MeS. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with MeS displayed more severe and extensive periodontal disease compared to subjects without MeS. Additional large-scale longitudinal epidemiologic and interventional studies are needed to establish whether periodontal disease is a contributing factor to or a result of MeS.

Extended setting shrinkage behavior of endodontic sealers.

The aim of this study was to investigate the polymerization shrinkage behavior of newly introduced root canal sealers. Three recently developed sealers; EndoRez (dual cure resin-based), RealSeal (dual cure resin-based), and GuttaFlow (silicon-based) were tested and compared with TubliSeal (zinc oxide-eugenol-based). The bonded disk method was used. Sixty specimens were tested at body and room temperatures. Dual cure resin-based sealers were tested as chemically cured only and as dual cured. Samples were tested for 24 hours. It was found that there were statistically significant differences between the tested sealers. EndoRez had the highest shrinkage-strain value, followed by RealSeal, whereas TubliSeal had the lowest. GuttaFlow exhibited expansion on polymerization. It was concluded that shrinkage associated with setting might jeopardize the seal of the root canal, leading to root canal failure.

Periodontal parameters in different dentofacial vertical patterns.

OBJECTIVE: To assess periodontal parameters in a Jordanian population in individuals with three different facial types. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five dental students (ages 20-26 years) with short, average, and long face heights were divided into three equal groups. The plaque index, gingival index, gingival thickness, width of keratinized gingiva, and width of attached gingiva were measured in each group. Occlusal factors, including the dynamic occlusion and the presence or absence of premature contacts were recorded. Differences among the three groups were assessed using Student's t-test, chi-square test, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. RESULTS: No differences were present in the plaque index, gingival index, gingival attachment, width of attached and keratinized gingiva and gingival thickness between the subjects in the three groups studied. None of the subjects in the long face group had canine guidance dynamic occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences in the periodontal parameters between the different dentofacial vertical patterns, but there was a difference in the canine guidance dynamic occlusion.

Effect of new obturating materials on vertical root fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth.

The aim of this study was to compare vertical forces at fracture of teeth obturated with different materials. Single-rooted teeth were divided into five groups. The first group served as a negative control. The remaining four groups were shaped using ProTaper rotary files (Dentsply Maillefer, Ballaigues, Switzerland). The second group was obturated with gutta percha and a zinc oxide sealer. The third group was obturated with EndoRez points and EndoRez sealer (both from Ultradent, South Jordan, UT). The fourth group was obturated with Resilon (Pentron Clinical Technologies, Wallingford, CT) and RealSeal sealer (Pentron Clinical Technologies). The fifth group was obturated with Guttaflow (Colténe/Whaledent, Altstätten, Switzerland). Roots were then fixed into a universal testing machine and loaded with a spreader until fracture. It was found that forces at fracture were statistically significantly higher in the Resilon and EndoRez groups. It was concluded that obturation of roots with resin-based obturation materials (Resilon and EndoRez) increased the resistance of root canal filled teeth to vertical root fracture.

Influence of body mass index on severity of dental caries: cross-sectional study in healthy adults.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and dental caries is still undetermined. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the relationship between the dental status by decayed, missed, filled teeth index (DMFT), and BMI by age and gender among healthy adults. DESIGN: Analytical, cross-sectional study. SETTINGS: University dental hospital in Riyadh. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Healthy adults aged between 18 and 35 years were recruited during the 10-month period from March 2015 to December 2015. Dental caries severity was estimated using the DMFT index. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The prevalence of overweight/obesity and the association of BMI category with the DMFT index. RESULTS: The mean age of 502 subjects was 24.3 (4.9) years. The caries severity of the study population was considered moderate according to the WHO caries severity scale (mean [standard deviation] DMFT 13.3 [3.8]). The mean (SD) DMFT of male and female subjects was 13.1 (4.0) and 13.36 (3.7), respectively. No significant association was seen between dental caries and BMI. Logistic regression analysis showed that males had two times more risk of developing dental caries compared to females. In addition, the risk of caries development was increased by about 5 times for every year of age. CONCLUSION: Dental caries was not associated with BMI but age significantly influenced the DMFT index and gender was associated with more missing teeth. Further longitudinal studies with larger cohorts from several geographic regions are warranted. LIMITATION: Convenience sampling and recruitment from a single dental center may have some impact on the generalization of data.

Prevalence and severity of plaque-induced gingivitis in a Saudi adult population.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the prevalence and severity of plaque-induced gingivitis among a Saudi adult population in Riyadh region. METHODS: Three hundred and eighty-five eligible participants in this cross-sectional study were recruited from routine dental patients attending the oral diagnosis clinic at Al-Farabi College in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia from June 2013 to December 2013. A clinical examination was performed by 2 dentists to measure the gingival and plaque indices of Löe and Silness for each participant. RESULTS: The prevalence of gingivitis was 100% among adult subjects aged between 18-40 years old. Moreover, the mean gingival index was 1.68±0.31, which indicates a moderate gingival inflammation. In fact, males showed more severe signs of gingival inflammation compared with females (p=0.001). In addition, the mean plaque index was 0.875±0.49, which indicates a good plaque status of the participants. Interestingly, the age was not related either to the gingival inflammation (p=0.13), or to the amount of plaque accumulation (p=0.17). However, males were more affected than females (p=0.005). CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that plaque accumulation is strongly associated with high prevalence of moderate to severe gingivitis among Saudi subjects. 

Prevalence and awareness of halitosis in a sample of Jordanian population.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence and awareness of halitosis among the subjects of a population, and also to compare the results of Halimeter(®) readings to self-estimation of halitosis and to assess the relationship between halitosis and oral health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample of 205 employees from the Jordan University for Science and Technology (JUST) were selected as study subjects. A standardized questionnaire focusing on dental hygiene, self-reported halitosis, and smoking was filled by all participants. In the clinical examination, the objective values for assessment of oral health and the presence of halitosis were gathered through an organoleptic test (OLT) and the measurement of volatile sulfur compound (VSC) level by Halimeter for each participant. RESULTS: The prevalence of halitosis was 78%, with low rate of awareness (20.5%). The amount of TC played the most important role in increasing the concentration of VSCs in mouth air (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A statistically significant correlation was found between OLT and Halimeter values (P < 0.001). Subjective patients' opinion did not correlate with the objective evaluation of halitosis. TC scores and smoking were the factors significantly associated to halitosis. The Halimeter showed promising characteristics regarding diagnosis of halitosis for clinical setting and field surveys.

Technical quality of root canal treatment of posterior teeth after rotary or hand preparation by fifth year undergraduate students, The University of Jordan.

The aim of this study was to investigate the technical quality of root canal treatment provided by the undergraduate students as their first experience in molar endodontics using nickel-titanium (NiTi) files in a crown-down approach compared with stainless steel standard technique. This study was carried out by the fifth year undergraduate students attending peer review sessions as a part of their training programme, using two different questionnaires to assess the overall technical quality and potential problems regarding endodontic complications after root canal preparation with these two techniques. The overall results indicated a statistically significant difference in the performance of the two instrument techniques in difficult cases showing better performance of the NiTi system and mean rotary preparation time (P < 0.001). Under the conditions of this study, novice dental students, using NiTi ProTaper rotary files, were able to prepare root canals faster with more preparation accuracy compared with canals of same teeth prepared with hand instruments.

The effect of glycemic control on Candida colonization of the tongue and the subgingival plaque in patients with type II diabetes and periodontitis.

OBJECTIVES: Identify the relationship between the tongue and subgingival plaque Candida colonization, and its relationship to the quality of glycemic control (assessed by glycosylated hemoglobin) and other confounders, in type II diabetics who have periodontitis. STUDY DESIGN: Candida species were isolated from the tongue and subgingival plaque of the 2 deepest periodontal pockets from 78 patients, and were identified by RapID Yeast Plus System. Student's t test, χ(2) test or Fisher's exact test, analysis of variance, multivariate logistic regression analysis, and Spearman's correlation test were used. RESULTS: Candida species colonized 46 (59%) and 38 (48.7%) of the patients tongue and subgingival plaque, respectively. Subgingival Candida was more prevalent in females than males (P = .041). The quality of glycemic control correlated with the prevalence of subgingival Candida (P = .047) and the severity of gingival disease (P = .047). CONCLUSION: Poor glycemic control and female gender may be associated with increased subgingival Candida in patients with type II diabetes.

Students' opinions and attitudes after performing a dental OSCE for the first time: a Jordanian experience.

This study at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Jordan investigated and evaluated students' attitudes and opinions after attempting a dental objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) for the first time. The OSCE consisted of sixty-seven stations for fourth-year dental students. After the exam, students were asked to voluntarily complete a questionnaire designed to evaluate their attitudes and opinions about the exam. Of the 134 students who participated in the OSCE, 93.2 percent completed the questionnaire; 43.4 percent said they found the exam difficult and 56.6 percent found it easy (p=0.147). Seventy percent reported that the exam was objective, while 30 percent did not (p<0.001); 65.5 percent indicated that it was a better test than traditional patient-based tests, whereas 34.5 percent did not (p<0.001). Sixty-eight percent stated that there were too many stations, while 30.9 percent stated the number of stations was appropriate and 0.8 percent stated there were too few (p<0.001). Of these respondents, 75.6 percent reported the exam was organized, whereas 21.1 percent said the exam was not very well organized and 3.3 percent said the exam was not organized at all (p<0.001). Overall, the students responded that the OSCE was able to test their clinical judgment and skills and it was a better method for evaluating their clinical skills; most preferred to have such tests in the future. Although the students reported the exam had too many stations, they perceived that it was well organized and that the time allocated for each station was appropriate. These dental students perceived that the OSCE was a suitable method to test operative dentistry clinical judgment and skills.

Degradation resistance of ormocer- and dimethacrylate-based matrices with different filler contents.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the influence of matrix and filler content on degradation resistance of an experimental pure-ormocer and an dimethacrylate-based composite derived from a commercially available material. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A dimethacrylate- Grandio (GR) and a model pure ormocer-based-matrix ORMOCER (ORM) were used. Each material had three different types according to their filler content (% w/w): regular (87% and 86%), flowable (80% and 79%) and fissure sealer (70% and 69%) for GR and ORM respectively. Disc-shaped (1 mm thickness×10 mm diameter) samples were prepared for each material (n=6). Water sorption and solubility tests were adapted from ISO4049. To evaluate porosity, specimens were scanned at a resolution of 19.4 µm and 3D reconstructions were made. The volume ratio of pores in the specimens were calculated and expressed as percentages. The results were submitted to 2-way ANOVA (factors: matrix and filler content) and Tukey post-hoc statistic test (p=0.05). RESULTS: Filler content influenced the water sorption for the ormocer-matrix and the water solubility for the dimethacrylates. ORMOCER regular was a less porous material compared to flowable and sealer formulations. On the other hand, the filler content had no effect on porosity for Grandio. CONCLUSION: Modifications made in the pure ormocer-matrix formulation were not significantly important to produce a more water-stable material compared to the dimethacrylate-matrix composite materials.

Evaluation of root canal obturation: a three-dimensional in vitro study.

The aim of the study was to measure percentage of volume of voids and gaps in root canals obturated with different obturation materials by using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Forty-eight single-rooted teeth were collected and decoronated, and root canals were prepared by using rotary files. The roots were randomly allocated into 4 groups, and each group was obturated by using cold lateral compaction with a different material (gutta-percha and TubliSeal sealer, EndoRez points and EndoRez sealer, RealSeal points and RealSeal sealer, and a gutta-percha point and GuttaFlow sealer). Roots were scanned with micro-CT, and volume measurements for voids and gaps in the obturated roots were carried out by using specialized CT software. Percentage of gaps and voids was calculated. Statistical analysis showed that gutta-percha exhibited an overall significantly lower percentage (1.02%) of voids and gaps. The present study showed that none of the root canal filled teeth were gap-free. Roots filled with gutta-percha showed less voids and gaps than roots filled with the remaining filling materials.

Effectiveness of propolis and calcium hydroxide as a short-term intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis: a laboratory study.

The aim of this study was to investigate the antimicrobial activity of propolis-based intracanal medicament against Enterococcus faecalis using infected dentine models, and to compare its antimicrobial efficacy with that of the non-setting calcium hydroxide paste when used as a short-term medication for 1 and 2 days. A total of 50 dentine discs of 7-mm length was obtained from extracted human teeth. Five dentine discs were kept sterile to serve as a negative control. The remaining 45 were contaminated with E. faecalis and divided into two groups (n = 20) in addition to five discs that served as a positive control. The discs were treated as follow: 20 discs were filled with propolis, while the other 20 discs were filled with non-setting calcium hydroxide. Microbiological sampling was performed utilising sterile paper point, headstrom file and disc immersion. Results showed that propolis was significantly more effective than non-setting calcium hydroxide against E. faecalis after short-term application, which made comparison from this prospect unlevelled. The most effective microbiological sampling technique was abrading the lumen with headstrom file. Propolis is very effective as intracanal medicament in rapidly eliminating E. faecalis ex vivo.

Release of monomers from different core build-up materials.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate and compare the elution of monomers from three different core build-up composite materials and correlate it with the degree of conversion. METHODS: Three different core build-up composite materials (a chemically cured, a photo-cured, and a dual-cured) were tested. Ten samples (diameter: 4.5 mm and thickness: 2 mm) of each material were fabricated to evaluate the release of monomers. The photo-cured samples were polymerized for 40s and the dual-cured samples for 20 s. The samples remained undisturbed for 10 min and then were stored in 1 ml of 75% ethanol at room temperature, and the storage medium was renewed after 24 h, 7 and 28 days. From the storage medium that was removed, samples were prepared and analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Additionally, four samples of each material were tested for the degree of conversion by using a FT-IR spectrometer. RESULTS: The three composite materials differed significantly concerning the elution of monomers (BisGMA: p<0.0001; TEGDMA: p<0.0001; and Bisphenol A: p<0.0001). A significantly higher amount of BisGMA and TEGDMA was released from the chemically cured composite compared to the other two materials. Between the photo-cured and the dual-cured material the latter eluted significantly higher amounts of BisGMA and TEGDMA. During the storage of the samples, the amounts of the eluted substances decreased. The degree of conversion of the chemically cured composite was significantly lower compared to the other two materials. SIGNIFICANCE: Using the present parameters, the photo-cured material released less monomer and therefore they might be less dangerous with respect to toxicological effects.