Oral Health in Patients with Osteopetrosis: A Literature Review

Hedvig Hasselby1*, Karin Danielsson1 and Mats Sjostrom2

1Department of Odontology, Umea University, Sweden
2Department of Odontology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Umeå University, Sweden

^*Correspondance to: Hedvig Hasselby 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.3411

Abstract

Background: Osteopetrosis is a rare hereditary bone disease caused by mutated osteoclasts that are either in scarce abundance or have reduced efficiency. This condition leads to less bone resorption, and thus, denser, more fragile bones. Osteopetrosis leads to complications that can be severe and even fatal. Aim: To summarize the current knowledge of (a) how Osteopetrosis affects the oral health, dentition, and facial skeleton of patients with different disease subtypes, and (b) which treatment options are used worldwide to treat the different orofacial complications and provide symptom relief in the oral cavity. Methods: This review was based on published studies on oral health among patients with osteopetrosis that focused on diagnosis and treatment. Two searches were performed in PubMed, based on seven search terms: Osteopetrosis, oral, jaw, dental, craniofacial, mandible, and maxilla. After screening based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria; 30 articles were selected. Results: All 30 articles were case studies, which have a low grade of evidence. Thus, the data studied were at high risk of bias. The 30 articles included 40 patients. The most common observed complication was osteomyelitis. Conclusion: The data highlighted the importance of good oral hygiene and tissue-conservative treatment in preventing complications from infection. Osteomyelitis should be treated with a combination of surgery, antibiotics, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Follow up should continue throughout life to ensure successful treatment of this chronic disease.

Keywords

Osteopetrosis; Oral status; Dental treatment complications

Cite the article

Hasselby H, Danielsson K, Sjostrom M. Oral Health in Patients with Osteopetrosis: A Literature Review. Clin Surg. 2022; 7: 3411.