Objectives: The purpose of this study is to survey the typical symptoms and treatment outcomes of the dental metal allergy patients. Methods: One hundred and fourteen patients who were suspected to have dental metal allergy and referred to the Tokushima University Dental Hospital were investigated. These patients were consisted of 31 males and 83 females and have visited the University Hospital during last five years (July 1995 to June 2000). Typical symptoms of these patients were as follows; 37 patients with dermatitis (32.5%), 19 pustulosis palmaris et plantaris (16.7%), 15 liphen planus (13.2%), 13 erosion of oral mucosa orgingivitis (11.4%), 11 atopic dermatitis (9.6%), 19 patients exhibited other symptoms (16.7%). These patients examined by patch test with dental metal materials. Results: 60 patients exhibited positive reaction with patch test while 52 patients were negative. Two patients were dropped out from the examination. 60 patients who confirmed to have dental metal allergy underwent following treatments. 17 patients have determined to remove allergen dental material and 14 of these patients (82.4%) have exhibited good outcome. 17 patients were referred to other dental clinics and 22 patients were observing progress with medication. Other 4 patients just have started treatment. Conclusions: Dental metal materials are typically used for restorative and prosthetic treatments, but some sealers for root canal filling also contains zinc oxide. In conclusion, every kind of treatment with dental metal materials can potentially cause general allergic symptoms and proper preventive and treatment plan for these dental metal allergy patients will be required.

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