Author: Lundstrom IM.
Source: Int J Oral Surg.
Year: 1984
Comment:
Allergy, oral lichen planus, corrosion of dental amalgam fillings, and the use of mercury and gold together are examined in this study, which reports improvement or cure of symptoms in patients after removal of the fillings.
Abstract / Excerpt:
“Patients with histologically verified oral lichen planus (OLP) were studied regarding allergic reactions to substances in dental materials, presence of clinical corrosion orally and factors influencing corrosion, such as mixed gold and amalgam therapy, non-precious pin-constructions or complete dentures. The material consisted of 48 OLP patients (33 female, 15 male) and the results were compared with those of a control group (40 patients) and/or general population samples. When patch tested, 39% of the OLP patients reacted to one or more components in dental materials. Reaction to mercury was most common, being noted in 26%. Clinical signs of corrosion were significantly more frequent in the OLP group (72%) than in the control cases (28%). Patients with atrophic-erosive OLP exhibited a significantly higher frequency of corrosion (83%) than those with reticular type (46%). Mixed gold and amalgam therapy and screwposts were equally present in both the OLP and control group and the frequency of complete dentures corresponded to that reported for general populations. A change of dental materials in 8 patients with positive patch tests led to marked oral improvement in 6 cases, 2 of which became completely cured. The frequencies recorded for allergic reactions and corrosion as well as the result of treatment indicate that substances in dental materials may be of significance in cases of OLP.”
Citation:
Lundstrom IM. Allergy and corrosion of dental materials in patients with oral lichen planus. Int J Oral Surg. 1984; 13(1):16.