Overview
This case report documents palladium-induced systemic contact dermatitis from dental alloys and includes an in vitro dissolution experiment demonstrating that palladium ionization from dental alloys is strongly pH-dependent. At stomach-level acidity (pH 1.68), nearly all palladium ionizes; at neutral pH (7.20), less than 10% ionizes. This provides a mechanistic explanation for how acidic oral and gastric conditions during food digestion may drive Pd sensitization from dental alloys.
Key numbers
- Complete Pd ionization dissolution concentration: approximately 40 mg/L (theoretical maximum)
- At pH 1.68 (oxalic acid): nearly all Pd ionized from dental alloy
- At pH 4.01 (phthalate buffer): approximately 90% ionized
- At pH 7.20 (neutral): less than 10% ionized
- Single patient case with patch test confirmation
Methods (brief)
Case report with in vitro dissolution experiment. Dental alloy specimens immersed in buffered solutions at three pH values (1.68, 4.01, 7.20). Pd concentrations in solution measured at defined timepoints. pH values chosen to simulate gastric acid, acidic oral/esophageal environment, and neutral saliva.
Implications
This page makes the source discoverable for palladium evidence routing. Provides quantitative pH-dependent dissolution data for Pd from dental alloys, mechanistically linking acidic digestive conditions to Pd ionization and potential systemic sensitization. Relevant for understanding oral dietary Pd exposure in context of dental restorations.
Related evidence
Update history
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