Oral manifestations of renal osteodystrophy: case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Renal osteodystrophy, characterized by uneven bone growth and demineralization, is described. Oral manifestations of the disorder are described, and the value of dental radiographs in early detection of renal osteodystrophy is noted. A case report of a patient with severe oral complications, which resulted from long-standing end-stage renal disease and secondary hyperparathyroidism, is presented. Giant cell lesions of hyperparathyroidism, referred to as brown tumors (which may be associated with pain and swelling), are the key clinical oral manifestations and are the most dramatic dental radiographic finding in patients with renal osteodystrophy. Bone changes may include loss of lamina dura, giant cell lesions of hyperparathyroidism, and bone demineralization. The dentist's role in detection, assessment, and treatment is stressed.