Oral manifestations and radiographic changes in the jaw-bones of patients with end-stage renal disease on maintenance hemodialysis – A descriptive study

Abstract

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to assess the oral manifestations and radiographic changes in the jawbones of patients undergoing hemodialysis, diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Methods: Forty patients on maintenance hemodialysis were clinically examined for oral manifestations and evaluated for radiographic changes in the jaws with panoramic and intra-oral periapical radiographs. Results were expressed as Percentage. Results: Out of 40 patients, 37 patients (92.5%) showed at least one or more oral manifestations. The most common oral manifestations were mucosal pallor (70%), xerostomia (57.5%), petechiae and ecchymoses (37.5%), and less common were taste alterations (15%), uremic odor (7.5%), coated tongue (10%) and mucosal pain (2.5%). Radiographic changes seen were loss of lamina dura (22.2%), altered trabecular pattern (5.5%), multiple radiolucent lesions (5%), and pulp calcification (2.7%). Conclusions: Most of the patients presented with oral signs and symptoms. However it was observed that patients demonstrating radiographic changes were mostly those who were on dialysis for a relatively long duration.