Are You Allergic to Dental Work?

Many people can suffer from dental allergies when they visit the dentist. These allergies often stem from common materials used by dentists, such as latex. It is important to tell your dentist if you have any of these allergies before your next appointment, as latex allergies can cause reactions that range from mild itching to severe respiratory distress and even anaphylaxis. Because latex is often found in standard exam gloves, the gloves worn by a dentist or hygienist could set the stage for a dental latex allergy problem.

Dental allergies are immune system responses to materials commonly used in dental procedures. Symptoms include swelling of the tongue and lips, a burning sensation, and gum irritation. Some of these symptoms are common side effects of dental procedures, so it can be difficult to recognize dental allergies. Root canal fillers can cause an allergic reaction and pose a serious health risk, leading to severe jaw pain, swelling of the mouth or lips, skin rashes, and even difficulty breathing.

The chances of an allergy to dental root canal filling depend on the patient's sensitivity to latex. Latex is one of the most commonly used materials when it comes to dental procedures. Fillings, gloves, and dental protectors are often made of latex. Dentists use dental alloys in several procedures and are responsible for most dental allergic reactions.

It is important to find out if you have a dental allergy so that your dentist can work with you to create the most comfortable experience possible. Most methacrylates can induce a type IV (delayed) allergic hypersensitivity reaction. Healthcare workers and dental patients are at greater risk of exposure and of developing allergies. Latex allergies affect less than 1% of Americans, but there are groups of people who are more susceptible to allergy.

Suspected allergy in dentistry should be confirmed by an allergy test performed by a dermatologist or allergist, due to the possibility of a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction or the development of a long-term occupational disability.