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Lichenoid reaction associated to amalgam restoration
Juan José Segura-Egea1, Pedro Bullón-Fernández
1Dpto. de Estomatología, Facultad de Odontología, Universidad de Sevilla. segurajj@wanadoo.es
Medicina Oral, Patologia Oral Y Cirugia Bucal
|December 8, 2004
Summary
Hypersensitivity to mercury from dental amalgam fillings can cause oral lichenoid reactions. This case highlights a delayed immune response to mercury in an amalgam restoration, presenting as an oral lesion.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Immunology
- Oral Pathology
Background:
- Dental amalgam restorations are widely used but can elicit hypersensitivity reactions.
- Oral lichenoid reactions (OLRs) are inflammatory conditions affecting oral mucosa.
Observation:
- A 38-year-old woman developed an atrophic, erythematous lesion on her left buccal mucosa.
- The lesion directly contacted a Class I amalgam restoration on tooth #37.
- Histological examination confirmed changes consistent with oral lichen planus.
Findings:
- The oral lichenoid reaction was associated with the dental amalgam restoration.
- The patient experienced mild discomfort, particularly with sharp foods.
- Replacing the amalgam with composite resin restorations led to no further mucosal reactions.
Implications:
- Dental amalgam hypersensitivity to mercury is a potential cause of oral lichenoid reactions.
- Early diagnosis and management, including restoration replacement, can resolve these lesions.
- This case underscores the importance of considering material hypersensitivity in oral mucosal diseases.