Delayed Hypersensitivity or Geographic Tongue: A Diagnostic Dilemma
Keywords:
Delayed Hypersensitivity, Dental Amalgam, Geographic TongueAbstract
Delayed hypersensitivity can occur following the use of a wide range of materials used in dentistry. These adverse reactions can be either localized or diffuse, and can mimic oral lesions of other aetiology. Delayed hypersensitivity to dental amalgam commonly presents as lichenoid oral lesions. We report the case of a patient who presented to us with burning and itching sensations on the tongue three days after restoration of his lower permanent molars with silver amalgam. Within a day, the initially well circumscribed lesions of the tongue became diffuse. Atrophy of the lingual papillae gave an appearance of a geographic tongue. Following replacement of the amalgam restoration, symptoms rapidly subsided and there was a significant improvement of the lesion.Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
All the articles published in JPFA are distributed under a creative commons license. The journal allows the author(s) to hold the copyright of their work (all usages allowed except for commercial purpose).
References
Vamnes JS, Lygre GB, Gr€onningsaeter AG, Gjerdet NR. Four years of clinical experience with an adverse reaction unit for dental biomaterials. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol. 2004;32:150-157.
Gawkrodger DJ. Investigation of reactions to dental materials. Br J Dermatol. 2005;153:479-485.
Waroquier D, Evrard L, Nelis M, Parent D. Allergic contact dermatitis presenting as geographical tongue with pruritus. Contact Dermatitis. 2009;60:106-119.
McGivern B, Pemberton M, Theaker ED, Buchanan JAG, Thornhill MH. Delayed and immediate hypersensitivity reactions associated with the use of amalgam. Br Dent J. 2000;188:73-76.
Kal BI, Evcin O, Dundar N, Tezel H, Unal I. An unusual case of immediate hypersensitivity reaction associated with an amalgam restoration. Br Dent J. 2008;205:547-550.
Dunsche A, K€astel I, Terheyden H, Springer I, Christophers E, Brasch J. Oral lichenoid reactions associated with amalgam: improvement after amalgam removal. Br J Dermatol. 2003;148:70-76.