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Association between oral lichenoid reactions and amalgam restorations
S Pezelj-Ribarić1, J Prpić, I Miletić
1Medical Faculty, University of Rijeka, Department of Oral pathology, Rijeka, Croatia. sonja.pezelj-ribaric@medri.hr
Replacing amalgam restorations in patients with oral lichenoid reactions (OLR) led to significant healing. Salivary interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 levels decreased post-replacement, indicating reduced inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Oral Medicine
- Immunology
- Dental Materials Science
Background:
- Oral lichenoid reactions (OLR) are inflammatory conditions potentially linked to dental materials.
- Amalgam restorations are a common dental material suspected of causing OLR.
- Assessing the clinical impact and inflammatory markers associated with amalgam is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clinically evaluate the association between OLR and amalgam restorations.
- To measure salivary concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 before and after amalgam replacement.
Main Methods:
- Included 20 patients with OLR and 20 healthy controls.
- Patients underwent skin patch testing for amalgam sensitization.
- Salivary IL-6 and IL-8 levels were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Main Results:
- 16/20 patients showed amalgam sensitization.
- Following amalgam replacement, 16/20 patients experienced complete OLR healing.
- Significantly higher IL-6 and IL-8 levels were observed before replacement compared to after.
Conclusions:
- Clinical evidence suggests restorative therapy, specifically replacing amalgam, promotes OLR healing.
- Post-replacement, salivary IL-6 and IL-8 levels normalized, indicating reduced inflammation.
- This study supports the role of amalgam in OLR and the efficacy of its removal.
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