Allergic Contact Dermatitis Caused by Titanium Screws and Dental Implants
Link: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1883195815001115
Volume 60, Issue 3, July 2016, Pages 213-219
Case Report
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by titanium screws and dental implants
Authors: Maki Hosoki DDS, PhD Keisuke Nishigawa DDS, PhD Youji Miyamoto DDS, PhD Go Ohe DDS, PhD Yoshizo MatsukaDDS, PhDa
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpor.2015.12.004
Abstract
Patients
Titanium has been considered to be a non-allergenic material. However, several studies have reported cases of metal allergy caused by titanium-containing materials. We describe a 69-year-old male for whom significant pathologic findings around dental implants had never been observed. He exhibited allergic symptoms (eczema) after orthopedic surgery. The titanium screws used in the orthopedic surgery that he underwent were removed 1 year later, but the eczema remained. After removal of dental implants, the eczema disappeared completely.
Discussion
Titanium is used not only for medical applications such as plastic surgery and/or dental implants, but also for paints, white pigments, photocatalysts, and various types of everyday goods. Most of the usage of titanium is in the form of titanium dioxide. This rapid expansion of titanium-containing products has increased percutaneous and permucosal exposure of titanium to the population.
Conclusions
In general, allergic risk of titanium material is smaller than that of other metal materials. However, we suggest that pre-implant patients should be asked about a history of hypersensitivity reactions to metals, and patch testing should be recommended to patients who have experienced such reactions.
Results of patch tests. (a) Upper back before patch testing. (b) Result of patch testing at 48 h. (c) Result of patch testing at 72 h. (d) Result of patch testing at 1 week.
