Expert: Tony Appleton BDS DPDS - 2/13/2009

Question
Bonjour Dr. Appleton,
I understand the concerns about composite fillings and the fact they (can? all?) release estrogenic-like compounds. CEREC restorations are often presented as a solution to this problem. However, I read that some CEREC blocks (3M™ Paradigm™ MZ100 Block for CEREC®) are made of resin-based compounds similar to those used in composite fillings. Should I be concerned about my dentist using those? Should I insist on getting only "ceramic" (i.e. not using BPA) blocks? I see a double interest in asking you this question, the 1st obvious one being that you're a dentist and the 2nd that you're not in (North) America : too often do I see lobbies preventing such informations from being published in N-A and working against inquiries and regulations (the public interest in other words) for technologies/products that have been made illegal for a long time UK, France and other countries and I'd like to know if such concerns have been addressed abroad.
Cheers

Answer
Hi Denis

It is my feeling that the potential release of oestrogen-like compounds from resin fillings is not actually terribly relevant, or anything you should worry about.  These fillings are perfectly legal and in common use.

Having said that, you could ask your dentist to confirm they will use the ceramic blocks on you, and you will probably find they default to using them anyway.

Regards

Tony Appleton