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Oral amalgam pigmentations (tattoos): a retrospective study
B M Owens1, W W Johnson, N J Schuman
1Department of General Dentistry, University of Tennessee, College of Dentistry, Memphis 38163.
Quintessence International (Berlin, Germany : 1985)
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Oral amalgam tattoos, benign lesions from dental silver amalgam, are common. Analysis of 168 biopsy reports revealed key characteristics of these lesions, aiding in diagnosis and understanding.
Area of Science:
- Oral Pathology
- Dental Materials Science
- Dermatology
Background:
- Oral amalgam tattoos are benign lesions resulting from the accidental implantation of dental silver amalgam.
- These lesions typically present as asymptomatic, asymptomatic, solitary, or multiple discolorations in oral soft tissues.
- Lesion appearance varies from grayish-brown to blue-black hues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze demographic and clinicopathological features of oral amalgam tattoos.
- To characterize lesion size, location, and duration based on biopsy data.
- To provide a comprehensive overview of oral amalgam tattoo characteristics.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 168 biopsy reports confirming oral amalgam tattoo diagnosis.
- Data extraction included patient age, sex, race, and lesion characteristics (size, location, duration).
- Examination of 235 individual tissue specimens from the analyzed cases.
Main Results:
- The majority of specimens were obtained from the buccal mucosa, gingiva, and alveolar mucosa.
- The mandibular arch was the most frequent site for these lesions.
- Lesion sizes ranged from 0.10 cm to 1.50 cm, with nearly two-thirds measuring 0.40 cm or less.
Conclusions:
- Oral amalgam tattoos are common, characterized by specific locations and sizes.
- Biopsy data provides valuable insights into the typical presentation of these lesions.
- Understanding these characteristics aids in accurate diagnosis and clinical management.