Dental Alterations in Sickle Cell Disease

Abstract

Sickle cell disease is a congenital blood disorder. The abnormal hemoglobin causes microinfarcts that lead to multi-organ alterations, including dental involvement. The entire oral and maxillofacial region may be involved, affecting the teeth, multiple oral structures, and maxillofacial bones. Dental complications include delayed eruption, tooth malformation, dental caries, teeth discoloration, and pulp necrosis. Oral soft tissue complications can involve the tongue, gingiva, and oral mucosa. Dental complications of the oral and maxillofacial bones include anatomical, radiographical, and structural changes. Vaso-occlusion is a major factor in sickle cell disease, which induces multiple dental complications. Oral, fascio-maxillary, and dental complications depend not only on the presence of sickle cell disease, but also on factors related to the patient’s personal oral medications, social life, and habits such as diet and oral hygiene.