Low Prevalence of Amalgam-Associated Lichenoid Lesions in the Oral Cavity: A Prospective Study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Amalgam has been the restoration of choice for years, but its popularity has declined due to concerns about aesthetics, mercury toxicity and lichenoid lesions associated with it. Lichenoid reaction is considered to be a delayed hypersensitivity type of reaction and it has been associated with dental materials in general and amalgam in particular. MATERIALS AND METHODOLOGY: Two thousand patients having at least one amalgam restoration were examined for signs of lichenoid lesions when visiting the OPD of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics at the Nair Hospital Dental College in Mumbai, India. Indirect spatial correlation to the amalgam restoration and the same were recorded. Descriptive analysis was used. RESULTS: Three (0.15%) out of 2000 patients with amalgam-associated lichenoid lesions showed complete resolution of lesions after the replacement of the restorations. CONCLUSION: Amalgam associated lichenoid lesions have a low prevalence and should not be a contraindication to its use in routine restorative dental practice. Patch tests and biopsies have questionable diagnostic and prognostic value. Identification of the lesions should be made after the elimination of all other causative factors for the presenting symptoms. A close spatial association of the lesion to amalgam and the regression of symptoms after its removal should be considered as confirming the diagnosis.