Veterans Administration Cooperative Studies Project No. 147: association of metallic taste with metal ceramic alloys.

We examined patients to find out whether they noticed the prevalence of metallic taste and set out to determine the association of metallic taste with demographic, medical, and dental factors. Data were collected as part of a Veterans Administration Cooperative Study investigating the suitability of alternative metal ceramic alloys as substitutes for alloys that contain gold. Crowns and fixed partial dentures were made from control and alternative alloys for accepted volunteer patients. A month after placement of the restorations and at regularly scheduled recall appointments, the patients were asked if they tasted a metallic flavor. Of the 2023 times the question was asked, 101 positive responses were given by 68 patients (46 reported metallic flavor once, and 22 reported it more than once). Results indicated that youth, sensitivity to heat and cold, bruxism, grinding, and an increasing number of restorative units were significantly related to metallic taste. For any given visit, about 5% of the patients reported tasting a metallic flavor regardless of the type of alloy that was used in the restoration. Metallic taste does not appear to be a problem with alternative alloys.