Which material should be avoided in dental treatments for patients with severe allergies?

Latex-containing items should be avoided in dental treatments for patients with severe allergies because latex is a common allergen that can cause significant allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, in sensitive individuals. Patients with a known latex allergy must be protected from any exposure to latex products, as even small amounts can trigger symptoms.

In a dental setting, many items such as gloves, rubber dams, and certain types of dental materials may contain latex. Therefore, it's crucial for dental professionals to be aware of a patient's allergy history and use alternatives, such as nitrile or vinyl gloves, to ensure the safety of the patient.

While composite resin, dental metal alloys, and glass ionomer materials can cause reactions in some individuals, latex allergies are more prevalent and require immediate attention to avoid potentially life-threatening consequences. This makes it critical to recognize and avoid not only latex directly but also items that are likely to contain it in order to provide safe and effective care.