Medically compromised patients in orthodontic practice: Review of evidence and recommendations

INTRODUCTION

Due to advances in the field of medicine, early diagnosis and high-quality medical management has become available for medically compromised patients. This increases their life expectancy and improves their quality of life. Therefore, orthodontic treatment can be provided to these patients whose medical conditions are well controlled.

OBJECTIVE

This article will discuss some medical conditions that might be seen by orthodontists. Also, recommendations and modifications of the orthodontic treatment plan will be discussed thoroughly.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A computerized electronic search of the literature was conducted in Google Scholar and PubMed and was limited to publications in English.

RESULTS

Orthodontic management was studied in cases of Infective endocarditis (IE), Thrombocytopenia, Hemophilia, Sickle cell anemia, Thalassemia, Diabetes mellitus (DM), Thyroid Disorders, Asthma, DiGeorge Syndrome, HIV/AIDS, Organ transplantation, Orthodontic management, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), Seizure disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Mood disorders, Schizophrenia and Eating disorders.

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth: A critical insight into case reports from over two decades

Drug-induced gingival overgrowth (DIGO) is a well-recognized adverse effect of certain systemic medications. Calcium channel blockers, anticonvulsants, and immunosuppressants are frequently implicated drugs in the etiology of DIGO. Drug variables, plaque-induced inflammation, and genetic factors are the three important factors in the expression of gingival changes after systemic medication use. Careful clinical examination and thorough history taking form the basis for diagnosis of DIGO. Histopathological examination is often neglected; however, it is an important aid that helps in differential diagnosis. Cessation or change of drug and meticulous plaque control often leads to regression of the lesion, which however might need surgical correction for optimal maintenance of gingival health. The purpose of the present article is to review case reports and case series published in the last two decades and to assimilate and compile the information for clinical applications such as diagnosis and therapeutic management of DIGO.