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A Dentist Inquires About His Patient with Systemic Sclerosis

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Case Studies in Systemic Sclerosis

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Abstract

Systemic sclerosis is a rare autoimmune condition affecting a variety of organ systems. Body surface involvement (of the integumentary system) leads to tightening of the skin involving the face and the intraoral tissues in both limited and diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Fibrosis of the orofacial complex results in a variety of oral complications including decreased oral aperture, muco-gingival defects, periodontal disease, dental caries, temporomandibular disorder (TMD), and trigeminal neuropathy. Xerostomia is also a common occurrence in these patients, related to medications and secondary Sjogren’s syndrome, among other causes. It is essential to be knowledgeable about the potential oral manifestations and the potential treatment options in this patient population. Due to the significant morbidity related to problems involving the mouth, as clinicians we must remain vigilant to our patients’ needs in this understudied area.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine, Rheumatology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, 96 Jonathan Lucas Street, Charleston, SC, 29455, USA

    Faye N. Hant

  2. Department of Stomatology, Medical University of South Carolina, College of Dental Medicine, Charleston, SC, USA

    Michele C. Ravenel DMD, MSCR.

Authors
  1. Faye N. Hant
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  2. Michele C. Ravenel DMD, MSCR.
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. , Division of Rheumatology & Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, 29403, USA

    Richard M. Silver

  2. Royal Free and University College, Medical School, University College London, Rowland Street, London, NW3 2PF, United Kingdom

    Christopher P. Denton

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Hant, F.N., Ravenel, M.C. (2011). A Dentist Inquires About His Patient with Systemic Sclerosis. In: Silver, R., Denton, C. (eds) Case Studies in Systemic Sclerosis. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-641-2_32

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-85729-641-2_32

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-85729-640-5

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-85729-641-2

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