Allergic Contact Dermatitis to Dental Alloys: Evaluation, Diagnosis and Treatment in Japan — Reflectance Confocal Laser Microscopy, an Emerging Method to Evaluate Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Traditionally, different types of metal alloys have been used in restorative dentistry. The common criterion for all these materials is their permanent existence in the oral cavity for a prolonged period of time and this exposure may sensitize patients. The clinical manifestations of contact allergy to dental alloy are not uniform. Diseases such as pustulosis palmaris et plantaris, lichen planus, systemic or palmoplantar eczema, symptoms like glossodynia, cheilitis related with ions released from these metals are well documented [1-6]. Furthermore, the Japanese Ministry of Health and Welfare reported in 1997, allergy affects approximately 30% of the population in Japan and recently, the frequency of dental metal allergy has risen significantly [7-9].