Articles tagged "diagnosis"
A Talon Cusp Mistaken for a Mesiodens: Case Report
In assessing a dental anomaly, careful clinical and radiographic assessment is important, as an incorrect diagnosis could lead to misguided treatment of great clinical significance. Read more
Management of Burning Mouth Syndrome
Burning mouth syndrome is often characterized by delays in diagnosis and initiation of management. This article highlights causes of delay in a retrospective series of cases and describes current approaches to managing this enigmatic condition. Read more
Diagnostic Dilemma: The Enigma of an Oral Burning Sensation
Primary burning mouth syndrome has traditionally been considered a diagnosis of exclusion. The authors use a case report and retrospective case series to help practitioners understand and recognize this enigmatic condition. Read more
Idiopathic Gingival Hyperplasia: Clinical Features and Differential Diagnosis
A patient had gingival bleeding and gingival hyperplasia in association with markers of hypothyroidism. The definitive diagnosis, based on biopsy and histopathologic examination, led to hormonal therapy, without periodontal treatment. Read more
Multiple Oral Ulcerations Associated with Cutaneous Lesions
In this case, a 53-year-old man presents with generalized painful oral ulcerations in conjunction with cutaneous lesions. Dentists must be familiar with a number of mucocutaneous diseases with similar clinical features to establish a correct diagnosis and facilitate patient referral and treatment. Read more
Pathology of the Jaw: The Importance of Radiographs
Although uncommon pathology of the jaw is often referred to a specialist, dentists can contribute to an accurate diagnosis and prevent inadequate or excessive treatment by acquiring and transmitting appropriate, good-quality radiographs. Read more
Classification of Extensively Damaged Teeth to Evaluate Prognosis
The detailed criteria and guidelines for assessment of severely damaged teeth provided in this article will help dentists avoid errors and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Read more
Metabolic Syndrome and Oral Markers of Cardiometabolic Risk
Numerous studies have associated common oral diseases with metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease, suggesting that dentists could be involved in primary prevention and early assessment of cardiometabolic risk. Read more
Oral Lesion on Dorsum of Tongue
An 8-year-old patient presented with a whitish, nondeformable, asymptomatic lesion on the tongue dorsum. The diagnosis relied on histologic examination and immunohistochemical staining. Read more
Genetic Risk Factors for Celiac Disease
I read with great interest the article by Dr. Rashid and colleagues, as it provided valuable information to oral health care providers on celiac disease (CD). The authors state that CD is hereditary and caused by an autoimmune mechanism in those who are genetically susceptible to the disease. Read more
Hypodontia and Microdontia: Clinical Features of a Rare Syndrome
This rare genetic condition must be diagnosed early to prevent serious ocular complications. Read more
Chronic Osteomyelitis Following an Uncomplicated Dental Extraction
Osteomyelitis is a relatively rare complication of dental extractions that can mimic multiple benign and malignant processes, making it difficult to recognize in otherwise healthy young patients. This case describes treatment options and ultimate resection of the affected portion of the patient’s mandible. Read more
Orthodontics-Related Foreign Body Causing Trismus
An orthodontic archwire penetrating the pterygoid musculature caused otalgia, pharyngitis and trismus in an otherwise healthy adolescent patient. Read more
Oral Manifestations of a Systemic Disease
The oral cavity is an important entry point for microorganisms, which can be lethal to immunocompromised patients. This case demonstrates the importance of recognizing mucocutaneous manifestations of systemic diseases and eliminating oral sources of infection. Read more
An Unusual Red Lesion of the Gingiva: Differential Diagnosis and Management
Painful, bright red swelling of the gingiva, resembling an overripe strawberry, was accompanied by bilateral enlargement of the salivary glands. Diagnosis of this patient’s systemic condition relied on antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody testing. Read more
A Large Expansion in the Mandible: Clinical Features and Differential Diagnosis
A 20-year-old man with a 12-year history of disfiguring swelling in his mandible is diagnosed and treated successfully. Read more
Giant Cell Arteritis Presenting with Bilateral Loss of Vision and Jaw Pain: Reminder of a Potentially Devastating Condition
The authors report a case of giant cell arteritis presenting with bilateral loss of vision and jaw pain. Increased awareness of this condition should lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment and avoidance of devastating consequences. Read more
Oral Manifestations of Celiac Disease: A Clinical Guide for Dentists
People with celiac disease may have no symptoms other than oral and dental abnormalities, such as enamel defects and recurrent aphthous ulcers. Thus, dentists and hygienists have an important role to play in identification of these patients. Read more
Parotid Lymphoepithelial Cysts as an Indicator of HIV Infection
Salivary gland diseases may indicate HIV infection. Dentists should be aware of the various types of parotid swellings and consider the possibility of their association with HIV infection. Read more
Identification of an Odontogenic Keratocyst and Treatment with Guided Tissue Regeneration: Case Report
A rare osseous inter-radicular cyst in the mandibular premolar area was identified histologically as an odontogenic keratocyst. Guided tissue regeneration using a bone allograft, after total surgical removal with debridement and decortication, resulted in a successful outcome. Read more
Prognosis in Implant Dentistry: A System for Classifying the Degree of Peri-Implant Mucosal Inflammation
Prognostic classification systems provide direct guidance for treatment, but there is limited evidence for classification of peri-implant mucosal inflammation. A simple algorithm is presented to help clinicians to foresee the outcomes of treatment for this group of conditions. Read more
An Unusual Case of Gingival Swelling in a 43-Year-Old Man
Dentists should be alert to unusual pathology in the oral cavity and refer such cases for early diagnosis and treatment. Read more
Orofacial Injuries Due to Trauma Following Motor Vehicle Collisions: Part 2. Temporomandibular Disorders
Following an earlier article on dental injuries resulting from collisions, this paper provides a thorough discussion of collision-related temporomandibular disorders, including problems with diagnosis, relation to whiplash, treatment and prognosis. Read more
Orofacial Injuries Due to Trauma Following Motor Vehicle Collisions: Part 1. Traumatic Dental Injuries
This paper describes the various types of dental injuries that may result from motor vehicle collisions. Diagnosis, treatment and the need for follow up are discussed in detail. Read more
Oral Erosive Mucositis Associated with Improper Administration of a Drug
Prolonged contact between alendronate (a bisphosphonate medication) and the oral mucosa may lead to oral erosive mucositis. The correct diagnosis depends on a complete medication history, including details about mode of administration. Read more
Updated Statement on TMDs Generates Negative Response
Editor’s Note: On October 6, 2010, JCDA.ca published a Debate & Opinion article about the revision of the American Association of Dental Research’s science information statement on temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Our intent in publishing the article was to bring the updated statement to the attention of JCDA readers. Read more
Unusual Radiographic Findings in a 20-Year-Old Male Patient with Missing Permanent Upper Lateral Incisors
Radiographic findings were used to diagnose a 20-year-old male patient who presented with swelling and pain in the right maxillary lateral incisor region and missing permanent maxillary incisors. Read more
Guiding Unerupted Teeth into Occlusion: Case Report
Orthodontics can be used in managing delayed eruption of a permanent tooth. The tooth can be guided into occlusion during the mixed dentition stage, rather than waiting until the permanent dentition stage. Read more
Apical Actinomycosis: Case Report
Actinomycosis caused a persistent periapical lesion in a 24-year-old woman who had undergone root canal therapy. Clinical and histologic features of the condition are discussed in this case report. Read more
CDA Position Statements on Early Childhood Caries and Use of Fluorides in Caries Prevention
In April 2010, the CDA Board of Directors approved a new position statement on early childhood caries (ECC) and an updated statement on the use of fluorides in caries prevention. Read more
Revision of the American Association of Dental Research’s Science Information Statement about Temporomandibular Disorders
Recent revisions of AADR guidelines emphasize the need for conservative and reversible strategies in treating temporomandibular disorders, as technological and adjunctive diagnostic devices have proved to be ineffective. Read more
Bilateral Neurogenic Masses: A Diagnostic Challenge
Recurrent mild pain in the premolar region of the mandible was traced to bilateral swellings near the mental foramina. Radiographic and laboratory investigations, accompanied by follow-up observation, were used in making the diagnosis. Read more
Facial Cellulitis Secondary to Dens Invaginatus: A Case Report
The visibly abnormal shape of a tooth or a significant delay in eruption compared with the contralateral tooth should alert the dentist to the possibility of dens invaginatus. In unerupted teeth, the defect may not be noticed until infection occurs. If not diagnosed and treated quickly, cellulitis of the head and neck region can lead to severe systemic complications. Read more
How do I evaluate a patient with a swollen lip?
A swollen lip is common in clinical practice, but the differential diagnosis and management of the condition may be challenging. Lip swelling may be related to a local or systemic condition, and it can be the earliest manifestation of a systemic disease. Read more
Property and Privacy Paradigms of “Marketable Spit”: An Ethical and Legal Counterpart to Blood?
Now that oral fluids can be used in diagnostic testing, saliva may be considered a form of personal property, analogous to blood, which confers certain ethical and legal rights on the donor. Read more
Dental Procedures and Stroke: A Case of Vertebral Artery Dissection
Seemingly trivial trauma caused by prolonged extension of the neck can lead to tearing of an artery. Headache, pain and vomiting following dental procedures should be investigated promptly to ensure rapid treatment of ischemia and prevent further injury. Read more
Displacement of the Temporomandibular Joint Disk: Correlation Between Clinical Findings and MRI Characteristics
The authors evaluated whether disk displacement on magnetic resonance imaging correlated with the presence of clinical signs and symptoms in patients with a clinical disorder of the temporomandibular joint. Read more
Why do some people get dizzy in the examination chair?
Dizziness isn’t the kind of thing that most dentists are worried about; however, they probably see it often in their practices. Read more
A Diagnostic Puzzle in a Case Featuring Gross Gingival Enlargement
Swollen gums may be caused by something as simple as poor oral hygiene. However, they may signal serious disease that dentists may be instrumental in diagnosing at an early stage. Read more
Lemierre Syndrome from an Odontogenic Source: A Review for Dentists
Lemierre syndrome, the “forgotten disease,” may not be as uncommon as believed. When an obvious cause of sepsis is not apparent, dentists should consider Lemierre syndrome and look for a history of pharyngitis, tonsillitis or dental infection. Read more
Ontario Girl Suffers Septic Shock After Third Molar Removal
A newspaper article1 in the Orangeville Banner provided an account of a 16-year-old girl who experienced serious complications after the removal of her wisdom teeth. Mercedes Moore of Grand Valley, Ontario, went into septic shock after surgery in February 2009. The article outlines how an infection spread to her lungs and brain, leading to her suffering a series of blood clots and strokes. She was ultimately placed into a medically induced coma to allow treatment of the infection in her lungs and brain. Read more
How are odontogenic infections best managed?
Dental infections, including gingivitis, periodontitis, dental caries and odontogenic infections, result in numerous dental visits each year in Canada. They can range in severity from a mild buccal space infection to a severe life-threatening multi-space infection. All dentists should be comfortable with prompt diagnosis and management of these types of infections. This review of odontogenic infections describes causative organisms, management including appropriate antibiotic selection and the indications for referral to a specialist. Read more
