Systemic Disorders
Amelogenesis Imperfecta
Amelogenesis imperfecta is an inherited condition that is transmitted as a dominant trait. It causes the enamel of the tooth to be soft and thin. Because the dentin is visible through the thin enamel, the teeth appear yellow and are easily damaged. Both baby teeth and permanent teeth are affected. In order to improve the appearance of the teeth and protect them from further damage, we usually recommend full crown restoration.
Dentinogenesis Imperfecta
Dentinogenesis Imperfecta is a genetic dental disorder characterized by abnormal dentition with opalescent blue-grey or brown teeth. Dentinogenesis Imperfecta may occur alone or be associated with osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease).
In Dentinogenesis Imperfecta, the abnormally-formed enamel cannot withstand biting stresses and the baby teeth and permanent teeth rapidly become worn soon after eruption. The inside of the teeth (the dental pulp) which is filled with blood vessels and nerve endings, is usually exposed. Crowns need to be placed on the baby and permanent molars as soon as they appear in the mouth. Even brief delays result in wearing of the enamel crown to the gum line. Cosmetic crowns may be placed on the front teeth as soon as the child becomes self-conscious.
Cleidocranial Dystosis
Cleidocranial dystosis is an inherited disorder of bone development transmitted with an autosomal dominant pattern. Characteristics include absent or incompletely formed collar bones, dental abnormalities, joint laxity, and a characteristic facial appearance (heavy brow, protruding jaw, wide nasal bridge, and malaligned teeth).
Dental abnormalities may include prolonged retention of the baby teeth and delayed eruption of the permanent teeth, often with slow or abnormal development. Our doctors are well-qualified to treat the complications of this syndrome. Often they will coordinate a multi-disciplinary treatment with other dental specialists to provide the highest quality of care for the complex problems of these patients.
Ectodermal Dysplasia
Ectodermal dysplasia is a genetic disorder that affects the ectoderm, the outer layer of tissue in a developing baby. Ectodermal dysplasia syndromes affect both males and females of all races and ethnic groups.
The ectoderm contributes to the formation of many parts of the body, including the skin, sweat glands, hair, teeth, and nails. During embryonic development, these and/or other parts of the baby’s body, including the lens of the eye, parts of the inner ear, the fingers and toes, or nerves, among others, may fail to develop normally.
Abnormalities in the development of tooth buds usually result in missing teeth or in the growth of teeth that are peg-shaped or pointed. The enamel may also be defective. Dental treatment almost always is necessary and children may need dentures as early as two years of age. Multiple denture replacements are often needed as the child grows, and dental implants may be an option in adolescence. In other cases, teeth can be crowned. Orthodontic treatment also may be necessary. Our doctors are well-qualified to treat the complications of this syndrome. Often they will coordinate a multi-disciplinary treatment with other dental specialists to provide the highest quality of care for the complex problems of these patients.
Lupus
Lupus is one of many disorders of the immune system known as autoimmune diseases. In autoimmune diseases, the immune system turns against parts of the body it is designed to protect. This leads to inflammation and damage to various body tissues. Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood vessels, and brain. Although people with the disease may have many different symptoms, some of the most common ones include extreme fatigue, painful or swollen joints (arthritis), unexplained fever, skin rashes, and kidney problems.
Approximately 25% of lupus patients will have significant periodontal disease, a group of inflammatory conditions that affect the gums and supporting bone around each tooth. Periodontal disease causes the greatest amount of tooth loss in adults. It is imperative that the lupus patient be aware of the signs and symptoms of gingivitis (the precursor of periodontitis) and maintain a regular schedule of dental visits for preventive care.
Bleeding Gums: Gingiva bleeds on eating or brushing teeth, or bleeds without any obvious cause.
Swollen Gums: Enlarged gingiva is not bound tightly around each tooth.
Red Gums: Gingiva is red in color. Dark colored gingiva due to naturally occurring melanin (the substance which colors the gums) is not an indication of inflammation.
Sensitive Gums: Gingiva that is painful to brushing. Untreated gingivitis can progress into the tissues under the gingiva and cause the bone that supports the teeth to become weakened.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a symptom of a group of diseases that involve the abnormal growth of connective tissue, which supports the skin and internal organs. In some forms of scleroderma, hard, tight skin is the extent of this abnormal process. In other forms, however, the problem goes much deeper, affecting blood vessels and internal organs, such as the heart, lungs, and kidneys.
Dry mouth and dental problems: Dental problems are common in people with scleroderma for a number of reasons: tightening facial skin can make the mouth opening smaller and narrower, which makes it hard to care for teeth; dry mouth due to salivary gland damage speeds up tooth decay; and damage to connective tissues in the mouth can lead to loose teeth. Saliva is extremely important for washing bacteria (germs) and food debris away from your teeth and gum margins and also for providing the minerals necessary to keep the surfaces of your teeth hard. A dry mouth often leads to tooth decay and gum problems (periodontal disease). You can avoid tooth and gum problems in several ways:
Brush and floss your teeth regularly. (If hand pain and stiffness make this difficult, we can help you with specially-made toothbrush handles and devices to make flossing easier.)
Have regular dental checkups. Contact us immediately if you experience mouth sores, mouth pain, or loose teeth.
If decay is a problem, we can provide you with fluoride rinses or prescription toothpastes that remineralize and harden tooth enamel.
Consult a physical therapist about facial exercises to help keep your mouth and face more flexible.
Keep your mouth moist by drinking plenty of water, sucking ice chips, using sugarless gum and hard candy, and avoiding mouthwashes with alcohol. If dry mouth continues to be a problem, a saliva substitute or a prescription medication that can stimulate the flow of saliva may be used.
Lichen Planus
Lichen Planus is a recurring, chronic, non-allergic, non-infectious, non-contagious disease of the skin, of which the exact cause is not yet fully understood. It is most likely an immunological mediated reaction. It has a tendency to relapse after some months or years.
It is characterized by popular eruptions most commonly found on the flexor surfaces of the upper extremities, on the genitalia and on the mucous membranes. Oral Lichen Planus typically appears as patches of fine white lines and dots. These changes usually do not cause symptoms. Dentists during routine check-ups often find them. More severe forms of oral lichen planus can cause painful sores and ulcers in the mouth.
Patients with lesions in the mouth may find that regular professional cleaning of the teeth and conscientious dental care may improve the condition. Using milder toothpastes instead of tartar control products also seems to lessen the number of ulcers and makes them less sensitive.
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