A case report of allergic reaction with acute facial swelling: a rare complication of dental acrylic resin

Resin components, such as methyl methacrylate (MMA) can cause allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Allergic reactions to resin are usually delayed. Only a few studies have reported dental resin allergy with acute symptoms. Here, a case of ACD with acute facial swelling after dental treatment using resin material is reported. A 55-year-old woman with a history of periungual inflammation when using gel nail polish had repeated episodes of facial swelling after dental treatment with resin material. The resin temporary crown was removed, and symptoms were alleviated with antihistamines and corticosteroids. With the suspicion of resin allergy, skin tests were performed. Patch testing revealed positive reactions to self-adhesive resin cement (primer and polymerized), self-curing acrylic resin (liquid and polymerized), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (2-HEMA), and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA), whereas the prick test was negative for all allergens. Complement C4 and C1 inhibitor activity were reference values in the tests for hereditary angioedema. Based on these findings, the patient was diagnosed with ACD to 2-HEMA and EGDMA. Since diagnosis, no similar symptoms have been observed in subsequent dental treatment with non-resin materials. The use of dental resin materials may cause ACD with an acute reaction. This report alerts dentists who routinely use resin materials.