Itchy eyes, swelling around the eyes combined with a persistent runny nose are symptoms we usually associate with seasonal allergies. However, some people experience these and other allergic reactions during a dental visit. So, is it necessary to undergo allergy testing before dental treatment?
Can Dental Treatment and Restorations Cause Allergic Reactions?
Allergic reactions in a dental office may be caused by materials or medications that are generally considered harmless.
Allergic reactions to dental materials may include:
- itchy and swollen eyes;
- runny nose;
- sneezing;
- asthma;
- hives.
Some people may even be allergic to the dentist’s latex gloves. In addition, a small number of patients may develop allergic reactions to local anesthetics used during dental procedures.
However, materials used for dental restorations may present even greater challenges for allergy-prone individuals because they remain in the mouth continuously.
This primarily concerns various metals and alloys traditionally used in dentistry. A patient may develop an allergic reaction that, over time, can lead to serious toxic effects on the body. Some individuals may be allergic to metal dental restorations, including crowns.
Dentistry also utilizes a wide range of cements, anesthetics, bonding agents, temporary materials, denture materials, and other substances, any of which may potentially cause adverse reactions. There is no single combination of materials that is suitable for every individual, as each patient has unique physiology.
However, some materials are generally better tolerated by a larger number of patients than others. Examples include ceramic and zirconia crowns, which are used at YAREMA DENTAL Clinic.
Is Allergy Testing Necessary?
Allergy testing can help determine whether a patient is allergic to the anesthetic used during dental procedures.
For some individuals, allergy testing is strongly recommended, particularly for patients with the following conditions and symptoms:
- bronchial asthma;
- allergy to any medications;
- atopic dermatitis;
- chronic rhinitis or sinusitis;
- a tendency toward frequent respiratory viral infections.
Before undergoing dental procedures, it is essential to inform your dentist about any previous allergic reactions, if any have occurred in the past.
Please note that allergy testing is not performed in a dental clinic but rather in specialized laboratories and allergy centers. The dentist should prescribe tests specifically for the anesthetics that he or she uses for dental anesthesia.
Allergy testing is carried out using two methods. A skin test involves applying one drop of each allergen being tested onto the patient’s skin (usually on the inner side of the forearm) and then checking the skin for any reactions. Another method involves examining the patient’s blood.
It is also very important to perform allergy testing before dental procedures for children who are prone to allergies.
Symptoms of allergies in children include:
- itching and skin rashes;
- swelling;
- chronic nasal congestion, runny nose, and frequent sneezing;
- redness of the eyes and excessive tearing;
- vomiting, abdominal pain, or diarrhea;
- episodes of choking, shortness of breath, or a suffocating cough.
Such symptoms may occur after taking medications, consuming certain foods, or coming into contact with household chemicals.
You can determine whether you are allergic to latex or metal with the help of a special patch test, which is a diagnostic method for contact allergies. During the examination, a patch containing small amounts of various allergens is applied to the patient’s back. The allergens are placed in separate chambers. After 48 hours, the patch is removed, and if the area of skin exposed to a particular allergen becomes red or develops blisters, this indicates that the person is allergic to that material. However, there are a number of contraindications to this test. For example, it should not be performed on individuals with highly sensitive skin, eczema, psoriasis, during pregnancy, and in certain other cases.
The examination should be performed based on a physician’s referral, and the physician should carefully assess all potential risks.
Tests are usually recommended for patients who have certain symptoms, as well as for those who are undergoing dental treatment for the first time. If you have previously visited a dentist, received anesthesia, had fillings placed, or had crowns fitted without experiencing any problems, then testing is generally not necessary.
However, in any case, this issue should be discussed with your dentist during your first appointment.
This article does not replace a medical consultation. For complete and personalized information, please consult your dentist.