Root canal treatment on a patient with zinc oxide allergy: a case report

To describe successful root canal treatment of a patient with a true zinc oxide allergy and to discuss allergic reactions to dental materials.

Dental materials have been reported as aetiologic agents for both local and systemic allergic reactions. It is essential for the oral healthcare provider to recognize the clinical symptoms associated with allergic reactions and to modify dental treatment, if necessary, to prevent these reactions from occurring. This article describes an unusual case of a patient with an allergy to zinc oxide. To our knowledge, this is the first case of successful root canal treatment of a patient with confirmed zinc oxide allergy to be reported in the dental literature.

Medical and dental histories must be evaluated to prevent medical complications secondary to dental treatment. Any patient suspected of having an allergy to dental materials should be referred to a healthcare professional capable of performing and interpreting allergy tests prior to dental treatment.