title: Extensive amalgam tattoo on the alveolar-gingival mucosa.
abstract: Amalgam tattoos are common exogenous pigmented lesions of the oral mucosa occurring mainly by inadvertent placement of amalgam particles into soft tissues. The diagnosis of amalgam tattoo is simple, usually based on clinical findings associated with presence or history of amalgam fillings removal. Intraoral X-rays may be helpful in detecting amalgam-related radiopacity. In cases where amalgam tattoo cannot be differentiated from other causes of oral pigmentation, a biopsy should be performed. This article deals with an extensive amalgam tattoo lesion which required a biopsy for a definitive diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Faculdade de Odontologia, Universidade de São Paulo, Brasil.
authors.forename: Vivian C
authors.initials: VC
authors.lastname: Galletta
authors.forename: Gabriela
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Artico
authors.forename: Aluana M C
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Dal Vechio
authors.forename: Celso A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Lemos
authors.forename: Dante A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Migliari
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003723:Dental Amalgam / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005882:Gingival Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D009061:Mouth Mucosa; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis
chemical_list: D003723:Dental Amalgam