Understanding Metal Allergy in Dentistry

What every clinician and patient should know about immune reactions to dental materials

A New Lens on Metal Allergy

Earlier this year, I had the privilege of attending the 2025 IAOMT Conference in Istanbul, where leaders in biological and environmental dentistry gathered to explore the future of safe, biocompatible care.

One topic stood out—both for its clinical relevance and how often it’s under-recognized: metal allergy in dentistry.

While I’ve always prioritized metal-free and biocompatible options for my patients, the depth of research presented brought new clarity to how significant metal hypersensitivity truly is—and how easily it goes unnoticed in everyday practice.

This paper summarizes what I learned and why this knowledge matters for both practitioners and patients seeking systemic wellness through dental care.

“Metal sensitivity isn’t rare—it’s simply rarely looked for.”
— Dr. John Johnson, DDS