Contact hypersensitivity to mercury in amalgam restorations may mimic orallichen planus

Oral lichenoid lesions caused by hypersensitivity to mercury in amalgam fil lings may mimic oral lichen planus on clinical and histologic examination. A positive patch test reaction to more than one mercurial allergen increase s confidence in the diagnosis and justifies the removal and replacement of all amalgam fillings with those made of other materials. A complete remissi on may be expected about 3 months after the last amalgam filling is removed .