Applicability of zirconia dental prostheses for metal allergy patients.

The aim of this study was to investigate the applicability of zirconium dioxide (zirconia) as a substitute for metal alloys in a group of metal allergy patients. Fourteen patients (eight women, six men) who had been restored with porcelain-fused-to-metal fixed partial dentures (FPDs) and had exhibited hypersensitivity lesions to dental alloys were enrolled in this study. Patients were previously patch-tested using standard testing substances authorized by the International Contact Dermatitis Research Group. Patients received FPDs with zirconia frameworks and occurrences of oral symptoms were evaluated. No hypersensitivity lesions in the mouth or on the skin were encountered during the follow-up period of 3 years. Zirconia FPDs may be an alternative to porcelain-fused-to-metal FPDs in patients with metal allergies.