An Evaluation of Subcutaneous Tissue Reaction to Acrylic Resin Implants

Since the advent of acrylic resins in 1937, they have been widely used in dentistry and implantology. Numerous investigations have been made following the advent of the resins to determine their biological acceptance. Results have ranged from a mild reaction to sterile abscess formation and necrosis. In 1960 a new vacuum-heat curing technique was used in processing ethylethacrylate. The final product was poly ethylethacrylate, a resin attributed by its manufacturer to demonstrate highly inert properties. Little research has been done, however, to substantiate this fact. This study was undertaken with the purpose of investigating the histologic reaction produced by implanting the vacuum-heat cured resin (Vacalon) in the subcutaneous tissue of guinea pigs. Two other poly methylmcthacrylates, widely used in dentistry and neurosurgery, were also implanted in the subcutaneous tissue of each animal. The cellular responses produced for a fifteen week period were studied under the light microscope. Pertinent observations were then tabulated and evaluated. Hopefully the results obtained in this study will give the dentist a broader perspective in regard to the properties of the acrylic resins when using these materials to preserve and restore the integrity of the dental arches