This study aimed to see whether clinical healing after amalgam removal corresponds to histologic healing, i.e., a complete disappearance of any histologic sign of lichenoid lesion.

The study evaluated 64 patients with lichenoid lesions and at least one amalgam filling.

After amalgam removal, complete clinical healing was obtained in 14 patients (22%) and was significantly related to lesion topography (χ(2) 4.7; P < .05) and positive patch test (χ(2) 6.3; P < .01). Complete histologic healing was obtained in only 7 cases (50% of clinically healed patients), and was significantly related to the combination of positive patch test and strict contact with amalgams (Fisher's exact test P < .01).

Contact with amalgams and positive patch testing are good but not absolute indicators of the beneficial effect of amalgam replacement. In addition, complete clinical healing does not necessarily mean a disappearance of the histologic characteristics of OLL/OLP lesions.