An unusual dental phenomenon in systemic scleroderma

Review of the literature and report of two cases 

Mahmoud El-Cridly, BDS, PhD
Department of Dentistry, KingKhalid Hospital, Al-Kharj, Riyadh 11942, Saudi Arabia

Systemic scleroderma is a disease of unknown etiology characterized by excessive deposition of collagen and other connective tissue components in the skin and several internal organs. The most common oral findings are rigidity and thinness of lips, circumoral fibrosis which causes microstomia and inability to open the mouth widely. Involvement of tongue may lead to its decreased mobility and diminished size. Radiographic findings that have been classically associated with systemic scleroderma are widening of the periodontal ligament spaces and destruction of lamina dura, usually in posterior teeth. Intraoral radiographs of presented cases revealed apical resorption of the roots and destruction of the lamina dura verified on extraction of the teeth. This oral finding appears not to have been recorded by previous investigators of scleroderma.

Saudi Dental Journal 1989;1(3):91-96.