Mucosal reactions to amalgam restorations.
Amalgam restorations have been implicated both in contact sensitivity reactions and in lichenoid reactions. This appears to be related principally to the mercury content, although other metals cannot be discounted. The cases of two patients are reported who showed features of lichenoid reactions of the oral mucosa, in addition to features of a contact hypersensitivity to mercury. The mucosal lesions resolved following replacement of the amalgams with non-metallic restorations. Consideration is given to the selection of materials and procedures currently available for treatment of these patients. This paper supports the view that sensitivity to heavy metals must be considered as a possible cause of erythematous and lichenoid reactions of the oral mucosa.
Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of Otago Dunedin, New Zealand.
M W
MW
Jameson
T B
TB
Kardos
E E
EE
Kirk
M M
MM
Ferguson
D000368:Aged; D003723:Dental Amalgam / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006967:Hypersensitivity / Q000209:etiology; D008010:Lichen Planus / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D008627:Mercuric Chloride / Q000009:adverse effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D010328:Patch Tests; D014060:Tongue Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology
D008627:Mercuric Chloride; D003723:Dental Amalgam