Practice abstract
British Dental Journal 199, 267 - 269 (2005)
Published online: 10 September 2005 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4812650
Palatal perforations: past and present. Two case reports and a literature review
M K Bains1 & M Hosseini-Ardehali2
- Raises awareness of palatal perforations and the dental relevance of syphilis and cocaine abuse as rising problems for the profession.
- Explains the pathology and pharmacology behind the development of a syphilis or cocaine-induced perforation.
- Gives guidance for primary management including recognition, history, simple treatment and referral.
- Outlines secondary treatment options to seal or repair the defect with brief review of relevant case reports.
Abstract
Syphilis and cocaine abuse are posing a growing public health problem on a global and national scale. Clinicians are increasingly likely to come across associated oral manifestations. We present two cases of palatal perforations caused by tertiary syphilis and cocaine abuse respectively. The literature review discusses issues specific to palatal perforations and those general to both conditions. The purpose of the report is to focus attention on syphilis and cocaine abuse as rising problems for the dental profession.
- M. Bains, S.H.D, Orpington Hospital, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Orpington, Kent, BR6 9JU.
- M. Hosseini-Ardehali, Consultant Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Orpington Hospital, Orpington, Kent, BR6 9JU.
Correspondence to: M K Bains1 e-mail: manjinderbains@hotmail.com