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Biological side effects to materials used in dentistry
1College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville 32610, USA. imjor@dental.ufl.edu
Journal of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh
|June 18, 1999
Summary
Adverse reactions to dental materials are rare, with toxic effects unlikely due to material stability. Allergic reactions are possible, but many patients reporting symptoms have underlying mental health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Dental Materials Science
- Toxicology
- Allergology
Background:
- Dental materials are designed for inertness and stability, minimizing toxic reactions.
- While rare, adverse reactions to dental materials can occur, necessitating a review of potential side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review potential adverse reactions associated with dental materials.
- To differentiate between toxic and allergic reactions to dental restorations.
- To investigate the characteristics of patients reporting general symptoms relieved by restoration removal.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of documented case reports on dental material side effects.
- Analysis of the properties of permanent dental materials regarding leachable components.
- Characterization of self-referred patients reporting symptoms allegedly linked to dental restorations.
Main Results:
- Toxic reactions to permanent dental materials are improbable due to their inert and stable nature.
- Allergic reactions are feasible, even with minimal allergen exposure in sensitized individuals.
- A significant proportion of patients reporting general symptoms relieved by restoration removal exhibit mental health disorders.
Conclusions:
- Permanent dental materials generally pose a low risk of toxic adverse reactions.
- Allergic responses to dental materials are a possibility in susceptible individuals.
- The presentation of general symptoms and their relief by restoration removal in some patients may be linked to psychological factors rather than material toxicity.