Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice

Possible allergy to root canal

07/10/2008

Question:

For the last 2 years, I have been having a problem with small white lesions, that have been growing rapidly, on the inside of my upper lip that causes my entire upper lip to swell when exposed to heat (the mucosa is beginning to protrude from underneath). I had a biopsy performed, last year, and I was told it was Fordyce spots but the Dr. couldn`t explain the reason for the swelling and the burning of my upper lip.

Recently, I went to a dentist who told me it could be a contact allergy from a veneer/root canal on my front tooth in 2000, so I went to an allergist who tested the dental materials on my back. We found that I was only allergic to the gutta percha and advised me to have it removed if possible.

Also, my dentist prescribed Peridex as a temporary solution and it made the swelling in my lip subside for about 24 for the first time ever, so I`m thinking it could be a form of bacterial infection.

Can contact dermatitis be possible with the gutta percha being enclosed inside of the tooth with no gum irritation? Have there been other cases like this?

Answer:

It would be difficult to say what is happening with your lip without seeing you clinically and reviewing the microscopic slides of the tissue sample. It is unlikely that the gutta percha would cause such a reaction. Similarly, it would be strange for any bacterial organism to cause these symptoms.

Although this does not sound as if it is a life-threatening problem, a more definite diagnosis could probably be made if you were seen by an oral pathologist for evaluation.

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