Can a patient react against composite resin fillings when diagnosed with a contact allergy to epoxy?

This post is based on a Q&A published on the Nordic Institute of Dental Materials website

Can a patient react against composite resin fillings when he or she has been diagnosed with a contact allergy to epoxy? Should existing composite fillings be removed, and placement of new fillings avoided? Could resin-based luting cements pose a risk of allergy?

The potential cross-reaction between BIS-GMA − a commonly used constituent of many composite resins − has been a matter of concern. However, an association has not been established.

BIS-GMA has chemical similarities with epoxy, but contains an acrylic moiety, which is probably more frequently involved in contact allergy than epoxy. Generally, it appears that it is a low risk that the patient will develop contact allergy to hardened composite resin. If a patient does not indicate symptoms associated with the fillings, it is not recommended to replace them, provided they are clinically adequate. The use of resin cement for example bonded ceramics should not be a concern, based on the same considerations as outlined above.

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