CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS OF INTRAORAL CONTACT HYPERSENSITIVITY AMONG DENTAL PATIENTS WITH METHACRYLATE ALLERGY

Abstract

After acrylic resins have been developed they found a broad area of application. Today they have totally replaced amalgam and are used in restorative materials, root canal filling materials, bonding materials and glass ionomers, as well as the fabrication of dental prostheses. As a consequence, the number of allergic reactions to these materials is constantly increasing. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the most common intraoral clinical manifestations of allergic reactions to plastic materials used in dentistry. Materials and methods: The study population consisted of 200 interviewed participants divided into two groups: dental patients with methacrylic restorations and manicurists and dental technicians, occupationally exposed to methacrylates. All of them had undergone dental treatments with acrylic materials. Of them, 154 were patch-tested with 24 methacrylate allergens compiled from (Meth) Acrylate Series Adhesives, Dental & Other, (Meth) Acrylate Series - Nails Artificial Series (MN-1000) (Chemotechnique Diagnostics Vellinge, Sweden). Thirty patients (19.48%) showed positive reactions to the substances tested. Results: Erythema was observed in 8 patients (26.66 %), whereas edematous changes in the oral tissues were found in 4 patients (13.33%). In 60% of the patients with positive reactions, no intraoral findings were identified. Aphthous or lichenoid eruptions which are specific for contact allergy to dental materials were not registered during intraoral inspections. Conclusions: The results of this study cannot confirm presence of specific intra-or extra oral changes pathognomonic for methacrylate allergy in dental patients.