Allergies in dentistry and potential cofactors: a case-control study.

Abstract

Objective: Allergic reactions during dental procedures are suspected frequently. Still, data on the confirmed allergens are rare. This study aims to identify allergens in dentistry and potential cofactors in sensitization.

Method and materials: Patients with suspected allergic reactions in context of dental (study group) or surgical (control group) procedures were analyzed in a monocentric 3-year retrospective and 2-year prospective file chart analysis between 2018 to 2023. Descriptive statistics and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed.

Results: 129 patients were allocated to the study group and 123 to the control group. Confirmed allergy was less frequent in study group (10%) than in control group (28%, P < .001). Local anesthetics (LA) triggered most dental reactions, but rarely confirmed allergic (1 of 55 cases). Dental materials (DM) and implant material (IM) in the control group were confirmed in 16% and 15% clinically relevant sensitizations, respectively. Multiple logistic regression identified reactions to LA or DM/IM with 33.33 or 2.63-fold lower risk of sensitization. A concomitant immune disease was associated with higher risk for a confirmed allergic reaction in dentistry in our cohort (OR 9.12, 95% CI 2.4-35.1).

Conclusion: Allergy to dentally administered drugs is rare. Most LA triggered reactions were unspecific. Reactions to dental materials resulting in objective symptoms require allergy diagnostics.