Itchy, puffy eyes combined with a persistent runny nose are what we usually associate with seasonal allergies. However, some people experience these and other symptoms during a visit to the dentist. So is it necessary to do allergy tests before dental treatment?
Can treatment and restoration of teeth cause allergies
Allergic reactions in the dental office can be caused by usually harmless materials or medications.
Allergic reactions to materials can cause:
- itching and swelling of the eyes;
- cold;
- sneeze;
- asthma;
- hives
Some people may even be allergic to latex dentist gloves. In addition, a small number of patients may also experience allergic reactions to local anesthetics used for anesthesia during dental procedures.
However, the materials used for dental restorations can cause even greater problems for allergy sufferers because they are constantly in the mouth.
First of all, we are talking about various metals or alloys used in traditional dentistry. A person may develop an allergic reaction, which over time can cause serious toxic effects on the body. A person may be allergic to metal prostheses, in particular crowns.
Dentistry also uses a wide variety of cements, anesthetics, bonding materials, temporary fixtures, denture materials, etc., and any of these substances can potentially cause adverse effects. There is no one combination of materials that is compatible with each individual, as each patient has their own unique physiology.
However, there are some materials that are better tolerated by more people than other materials. For example, crowns made of ceramics and zirconium, which are used in the YAREMA DENTAL clinic.
Is it necessary to do allergy tests?
Allergy tests will help to find out whether the patient is allergic to the anesthetic used for anesthesia during dental procedures.
Allergy tests are mandatory for some people. This is primarily about patients with such diseases and symptoms as:
- bronchial asthma;
- allergy to any medications;
- atopic dermatitis;
- chronic rhinitis; sinusitis;
- tendency to frequent SARS.
Before dental procedures, it is necessary to inform the dentist about cases of allergies, if they were there before.
Please note that allergy tests are not performed in a dental clinic, but in a special laboratory and allergy centers. The dentist should prescribe samples for exactly those anesthetics that he uses for anesthesia.
Allergy tests are carried out by two methods. A skin test is when one drop of the tested allergens is applied to the patient’s skin (usually the inside of the forearm), and then the skin is checked for reactions. Another way is to examine the patient’s blood.
It is also very important to do allergy tests for a child who is prone to allergies before dental procedures.
Symptoms of allergies in children are:
- itching, rash on the skin;
- edema;
- chronic nasal congestion, runny nose, frequent sneezing;
- eye redness and tearing;
- vomiting, stomach pain or diarrhea;
- there are attacks of suffocation, shortness of breath, suffocating cough.
Such symptoms can occur after the use of medicines, certain products or contact with household chemicals.
You can find out whether you have an allergy to latex or metal with the help of a special patch test, which is a method of diagnosing contact allergies. During the study, a patch with a small amount of various allergens is applied to the patient’s back and placed in separate chambers. After 48 hours, the patch is removed, and if the skin area under a certain allergen is reddened or covered with blisters, it means that the person is allergic to this material. However, there are a number of contraindications to this test. For example, it should not be used by people with very sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, during pregnancy, etc.
Research should be done under the direction of a doctor, who must weigh all the risks.
Usually, tests are recommended for patients with certain symptoms, as well as for those who treat teeth for the first time. If you previously visited a dentist, had anesthesia done, filled your teeth, or put on crowns, and there were no problems, then you do not need to do the test.
However, in any case, this issue should be discussed with your dentist during the first appointment.