Amalgam-contact hypersensitivity lesions and oral lichen planus.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between amalgam restorations and oral lichen planus.


METHODS
Eighty-one patients with oral lichenoid lesions were characterized clinically and skin patch tested for amalgam or mercury hypersensitivity. Thirty-three of these patients had amalgam fillings in contact with oral lesions replaced and were followed to determine the outcome.


RESULTS
Clinically, 2 patient groups were identified: (1) 30 patients with probable amalgam-contact hypersensitivity lesions (ACHLs) and (2) 51 patients with oral lichen planus (OLP) but no clear relationship with amalgam. Seventy percent of ACHL cases were patch test positive for amalgam or mercury compared with only 3.9% of OLP cases (P < .0001). Amalgam replacement resulted in lesion improvement in 93% of ACHL cases. No such improvement was observed in the OLP cases treated (P < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
OLP is a heterogeneous condition within which an ACHL subgroup can be identified. ACHLs, but not other OLP lesions, respond favorably to amalgam replacement. A strong clinical association between lesions and amalgam restorations plus a positive patch test result was a good predictor of lesion improvement on amalgam replacement.
Thornhill
Martin H
MH
Department of Dental Diagnostic Science, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 78229-3900, USA. Thornhill@uthscsa.edu
Pemberton
Michael N
MN
Simmons
Raymond K
RK
Theaker
Elizabeth D
ED
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003723:Dental Amalgam / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000209:etiology; D017676:Lichen Planus, Oral / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male; D008628:Mercury / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010328:Patch Tests; D019233:Retreatment
D003723:Dental Amalgam; D008628:Mercury