SYSTEMIC TYPE IV IMMUNE RESPONSE: AGAINST POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE (PMMA) BASE MATERIAL: CASE REPORT

Conventional total dentures are a type of prosthesis that restores existing aesthetic, function,

chewing and speech disorders in patients with complete edentulism. It is known that this

type of prosthesis has been used by patients for many years with the appropriate diagnosis,

treatment plan and use of appropriate materials. (Mack 1978) The part of the total dentures

that is in direct contact with the oral tissues is called the denture base. When we look at the

historical background of dental prosthesis base materials, it is seen that bone, wood, ivory

and vulcanized rubber are used, and today, poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) is widely used.

(Meng and Latta 2005) Its polishability and ease of processing are the reasons for its routine

use. (Meng and Latta 2005) Despite all its positive properties, the material has poor impact and

fatigue resistance. It is aimed to improve the mechanical properties of the material by adding

various fibers such as PMMA to the PMMA structure. (Mowade, Dange et al. 2012) Although

PMMA and its reinforced varieties have many advantages in the construction of full dentures, its

use may be limited for some patients.

PMMA is a type of synthetic resin-based polymers (Tillberg, Stenberg et al. 2009). For this

reason, it has been reported that the most important clinical condition limiting the use of

PMMA is hypersensitivity and allergic reactions due to residual monomer. (Meng and Latta

2005) The signs and symptoms of oral contact allergies vary. (Tosti, Piraccini et al. 1997) In the

early period, symptoms of different types and severity may occur, ranging from mild mucosal

complaints to anaphylactic reactions, which can be confused with an ordinary prosthetic

impact. (Pérez and Donado 2003) Therefore, when allergy is suspected,

Patch test, which is done by contacting the purified allergen substance with a certain part of

the body for 24 to 72 hours, should be applied to the patient.(Kamath, Setlur et al. 2015)

This case report describes a 71-year-old Caucasian male patient who used a total prosthesis

made of PMMA material for 15 years.