Tissue response to allergenic leachables from dental materials.

In addition to toxic reactions to dental materials, some individuals may develop or exhibit hypersensitivity reactions to leachable components. An experimental model combining the guinea pig maximization test for induction of hypersensitivity and the subcutaneous implantation of dental cements is described. Guinea pigs immunized with AH 26, an epoxy-bisphenol resin, showed an increased tissue response to AH26 implants. Guinea pigs immunized with zinc oxide-eugenol did not show a similarly increased response, possibly because of an anti-inflammatory effect of eugenol. The experimental model may prove useful in predicting the effect of leachable allergens from dental materials in sensitized individuals.