Levels of Bisphenol A in Urine and Saliva Following Placement of Composite Restorations

This study will determine whether placement of composite (white) dental restorations (fillings) increases concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA) and its metabolites in saliva and urine. These compounds have estrogenic-like properties that have raised concerns about their safety. Small amounts of the chemicals can leach out of dental sealants and be detected in saliva soon after the sealants are applied. Dental composites also contain some of these compounds. U.S. Commissioned Corps officers who need fillings as part of their regular dental treatment and who select composite (white) restorations instead of amalgam (metal) may be included in this protocol. Participants are recruited from among officers receiving dental care at the commissioned officers dental clinic in Rockville, Md. Participants complete a 15-minute interview to gather information about their recent diet and eating patterns. They also provide 3 to 4 urine and saliva samples, some collected before their dental restoration and some after treatment.