Dental and Endodontic Management in a Patient with Familial X-Linked Hypophosphatemic Rickets

Abstract

The term rickets refers to insufficient or retarded mineralization of the osteoide matrix. X-linked hypophosphatemic (XLH) rickets is a rare genetic disorder characterized by biochemical changes in bone mineralization due to inactivation of the phosphate regulating gene and primary defect of the osteoblasts. The aim of this article was to report a clinical case of XLH, its oral manifestations, periapical changes and dental management. A 31-year old woman female patient was referred to the school of dentistry with pain and sensitivity in the teeth. She had a childhood history of rickets, hypophosphatemia and alteration in Vitamin D. In the oral exam, enamel hypoplasia, microdontia, fistula, caries and periapical lesions and periodontal disease were diagnosed. The radiographic and tomographic exams exhibited the presence of periapical lesions involving various teeth with radiolucent images, suggestive of granuloma or periapical cysts. The treatme nt prioritized the urgency of eliminating pain and removing the foci of infection. Endodontic treatment began in the teeth that had fistula or periapical lesions and in parallel, oral hygiene guidance was provided and periodontal treatment was performed. There was an improvement in the clinical condition with reduction in inflammation and mobility of the teeth. Dentists and health professionals must evaluate the patient as a whole, considering the relations between systemic and oral health. Knowledge of systemic diseases associated with rickets and their characteristics is essential for making a correct oral diagnosis and planning the dental treatment.