Progressive Systemic Sclerosis - an extensive manifestation of Scleroderma

A 32 year-old male patient, who had previously presented with all the signs and symptoms of scleroderma,was referred to a dental clinic in 2013 for removal of a lower left canine tooth that was traumatising his lower lip. His face showed tight skin with loss of wrinkling resulting in the classical "mask-like" facies. Both the sclera and intraoral soft tissues were pale, suggestive of some form of anaemia. Telangiectasia was noted in the lower lip which, together with the soft palate, was fibrosed. Mild restriction of mouth opening was noted. The patient was fully dentate but exhibited poor oral hygiene. The lower left canine was labially displaced, non-carious and firm. A panoramic radiograph showed severe resorption of the ramus, angle and body of the mandible as well as of the roots of the posterior mandibular teeth. The condyles were relatively unaffected. Multiple carious teeth were noted. The periodontal spaces appeared relatively normal. Both submandibular glands showed calcification and it appeared that there were undisplaced bilateral pathological fractures distal to the wisdom teeth. No radiological evidence of caries or periodontal disease was detected on the 33, which was extracted to relieve the patient of pain and discomfort. Healing was uneventful.

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mabongo,M, Buch,B, Hira,P, Ngwenya,S
Format: Digital revista
Language:English
Published: The South African Dental Association (SADA) 2015
Online Access:http://www.scielo.org.za/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0011-85162015000400005
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