What is your approach to diagnosing and managing suspected dental amalgam-triggered lichen planus?
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Do you perform patch testing in your office in patients with suspected contact allergic stomatitis?
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2 Answers
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Dermatology · University of Pennsylvania
Answered on
Suspected dental amalgam-triggered oral lichen planus occurs when oral lichenoid lesions are topographically in close proximity to the dental amalgam. Patch testing can support this diagnosis. Common metals to test include palladium, gold, mercury, tin, copper, nickel, and amalgam powder. A recent a...
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Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Dermatology · Case Western Reserve University
Answered on
Agree with Dr. @Dr. First Last that in oral lichenoid lesion(s) in immediate proximity to an amalgam filling, a positive patch test to mercury, copper, tin, or zinc is supportive but cannot prove causation.
More patients with a positive patch test will clear within 3-16 months of amalgam removal than...
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