The prevalence of sensitivity to constituents of dental alloys

AuthorNamikoshi T; Yoshimatsu T; Suga K; Fujii H; Yasuda KAddressDepartment of Removable Prosthodontics, Nagasaki University School ofDentistry, Japan.SourceJ Oral Rehabil, 1990 Jul, 17:4, 377-81AbstractNinety-five participants were epicutaneous patch tested in order to determine the prevalence of sensitivity to components of dental alloys. Seventeen individuals (17.9%) developed allergic reactions, which were caused by mercury (10.5%), copper (2.1%), nickel, cobalt, tin, gold and zinc (1.1%). Eight of 17 allergic responders had a history of dermatitis from metal contact. The results show that there is a need for careful immunological considerations during the selection of suitable alloys, particularly in the case of patients with lesions suspected of being caused by dental alloys.