Micro & Immunology · single question
What is the most common Type I (IgE-mediated) hypersensitivity reaction seen in a dental clinic?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Reaction to local anesthesia
D) Local anesthesia — CORRECT (most common true Type I in dental clinic).
True anaphylactic (Type I) reactions to local anesthetics do occur and represent the most common medical emergency involving Type I hypersensitivity in the dental setting. Most "reactions" to local anesthesia are actually vasovagal or to the epinephrine/vasopressor, but true IgE-mediated reactions (especially to ester-type anesthetics like procaine) constitute the most common true allergic reaction category in dentistry.
A) Amalgam: Reactions to amalgam are typically delayed hypersensitivity (Type IV) contact reactions — not Type I.
B) Composite/resin: Can cause contact allergy (Type IV) — not Type I.
C) Antibiotics: Can cause Type I reactions (penicillin anaphylaxis) but dentists prescribe antibiotics less frequently than administering local anesthesia.
True anaphylactic (Type I) reactions to local anesthetics do occur and represent the most common medical emergency involving Type I hypersensitivity in the dental setting. Most "reactions" to local anesthesia are actually vasovagal or to the epinephrine/vasopressor, but true IgE-mediated reactions (especially to ester-type anesthetics like procaine) constitute the most common true allergic reaction category in dentistry.
A) Amalgam: Reactions to amalgam are typically delayed hypersensitivity (Type IV) contact reactions — not Type I.
B) Composite/resin: Can cause contact allergy (Type IV) — not Type I.
C) Antibiotics: Can cause Type I reactions (penicillin anaphylaxis) but dentists prescribe antibiotics less frequently than administering local anesthesia.
Practice Micro & Immunology questions Micro & Immunology study notes