Skin and mucosal reactions associated with dental materials

The selection of dental materials for specific treatment purposes is primarily based on their physical properties. The composition of materials available indicates that there is the potential for adverse biological effects. The amounts of substances released are usually too low to cause any overt systemic toxic effects. However, many of the chemicals used in dentistry are irritating and may cause local damage. Also, in reactions mediated via the amplifying mechanisms of the immune system, small amounts may lead to clinical manifestations of allergic contact dermatitis and urticaria. A special problem in the diagnosis of adverse events occurs when intraoral exposure leads to generalized urticarial reactions. Due to a low level of suspicion, extraoral reactions are rarely associated with dental treatment modalities. Occupational dermatoses represent a serious problem, especially the development of an allergy to constituents of the resin-based filling materials and adhesives. The monomers of resin-based materials are volatile and penetrate latex and vinyl gloves easily. Allergic contact dermatitis related to resin-based materials may be occupationally disabling.