An increasing diversity of synthetic biomaterials is used routinely in dentistry. Since no xenobiotic material is without the potential for causing adverse reactions, dental clinicians must be cautious in the selection of biomaterials for clinical use. Although it varies with each dental specialty, the overall incidence of adverse reactions is low. The majority of these adverse reactions are elicited by metals. This course lists the three major causes for the intraoral release of metal ions and differentiates between the four types of allergic reactions. This course explores nickel sensitivity in particular, including the effect of ear or skin piercing and how age or sex of the patient may affect this sensitivity.
DANB Approved: From 08/25/2009 To 08/24/2012
Upon completion of this course, participants should be able to:
- List the three major causes for the intraoral release of metal ions.
- Differentiate the four different types of allergic reactions.
- Describe the effect of ear or skin piercing on nickel allergy.
- Discuss how the age or sex of the patient may affect nickel sensitivity.
- Understand how nickel exposure may cause tolerance vs. allergic responses.
