A possible mechanism for the toxicity of methacrylate monomers is elucidated in a recent publication from NIOM. The resin matrix of dental restorative materials consists of combinations of methacrylate monomers like bisphenol A-glycidyl dimethacrylate (BisGMA), triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) and glycerol dimethacrylate (GDMA) in composite fillings, while 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is a major constituent in most dental adhesives.

Dental treatment may expose both the patient and the dental professionals to 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA). The compound is a monomer commonly used in resin-based dental materials. Incomplete polymerization of dental resin components can result in release of monomer to the oral cavity.