What is the Most Common Allergy Encounter in Dentistry?

Among dental materials, alloys are the most frequent allergens, followed by rubber materials, polymers and acrylates. Allergic reactions to dental alloys containing nickel, cobalt and amalgam are especially common, as dentists use them for prosthetics and other restorations. The most common allergic reactions among dental staff are allergies to latex, acrylates, and formaldehyde. While polymethylmethacrylates and latex cause delayed hypersensitivity reactions, sodium metabisulfite and nickel cause immediate reactions.

In recent years, due to the rise in the number of patients with allergies to different materials, practicing dentists should be aware of documented allergies to known materials and, therefore, avoid such allergic manifestations in the dental clinic. Valplast is a safer option for patients who have a history of allergies to the dental materials used to manufacture traditional removable dentures since it does not use traditional monomers in its production. The Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research provides a comprehensive review of the literature on the causative agents of allergies to dental materials. Allergies to dental materials can be a symptom of nickel sensitivity when wearing a partial cast metal denture or a prosthesis with metal components.

Although it is possible for anyone to become overly sensitive to almost anything that is present in the environment, there are specific materials that are commonly used in dentistry that tend to cause dental allergies in some people. Because sensitivity to chemical and environmental irritants is so widespread in the general population, dentists often encounter patients in their patient group with a history of allergies to dental materials. To prevent allergic reactions from occurring in the dental clinic, it is important for dentists to be aware of the potential allergens that may be present in their practice. It is also important for them to be aware of any known allergies that their patients may have so that they can take appropriate precautions when treating them.

Additionally, they should be familiar with the literature on the causative agents of allergies to dental materials so that they can make informed decisions when selecting materials for their patients' treatments. The most common allergy encountered in dentistry is an allergy to dental alloys containing nickel, cobalt and amalgam. Other common allergens include rubber materials, polymers and acrylates. Latex, acrylates and formaldehyde are also common allergens among dental staff.

To reduce the risk of allergic reactions in the dental clinic, it is important for dentists to be aware of any known allergies their patients may have and take appropriate precautions when selecting materials for their treatments.