Adverse reactions in the oral mucosa associated with anterior composite restorations

This is a descriptive study of patients with symptomatic lichenoid-like reactions of the lips in contact with composite restorations (n=12). Clinically, the lesions appeared as symptomatic single or multiple erythematous areas that included white papules. Candida was found by cultivation or histopathological examination in 7 of the lesions. Patch testing (n=7) did not reveal any reactions to composite components, except for one patient who showed a delayed hypersensitivity reaction to formaldehyde. Replacement of existing dental materials parallel to antifungal treatment resulted in healing or significant improvement in 7 of 9 patients. This study shows that resin components can be associated with adverse reactions in the oral mucosa of the lips and that these reactions may be accompanied by an infection with Candida.