Systemic effects of nickel-containing dental alloys: analysis of nickel levels in serum, liver, kidney, and oral mucosa of guinea pigs.

For economic reasons, nickel alloys are in widespread use in dentistry. However, allergic reactions have been observed in nickel-sensitive patients. In this study, absorption of nickel in the serum, liver, kidney and oral mucosa of guinea pigs was examined. Guinea pigs experimentally sensitized to nickel showed significantly higher level of nickel in serum than did control animals. Levels of nickel in experimental and control animals were found to increase over time.