Oral leukoplakia associated with amalgam restorations

The World Health Organization has defined oral leukoplakia (OL) as “a white patch or plaque of the oral mucosa that cannot be characterized clinically or pathologically as any other disease”. A 21-year-old male with OL presented with a bilateral burning sensation in the buccal mucosa. The patient had amalgam restorations, and an epicutaneous patch test indicated a positive response to amalgam. The amalgam restorations were therefore removed and the cavities were refilled with a composite resin restorative material. During 5 years of follow-up, there was no recurrence of the oral lesions. This case illustrates that amalgam fillings may cause OL lesions. (J Oral Sci 58, 445-448, 2016)