Orofacial Manifestations and Radiographic Alterations in Systemic Scleroderma Patients: An Observational Study

Abstract Background: Orofacial manifestation and radiographic alterations of systemic sclerosis (SS) cases were limited and mainly reported on Caucasians, so far only case reports were reported the oral features of Indian people with SS. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the incidence of orofacial manifestation and radiographic alterations among North Indian people with SS. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 (18 female and two male) North Indian people with SS attending the Dental outpatient department were enrolled in the study from August 2015 to March 2017; all underwent orofacial clinical examination and further underwent panoramic radiography. Results: Among reported extraoral manifestations, thin atrophied and incompetent lips were most common (90.00%), followed by cutaneous hyperpigmentation and mask-like face (70.00%), cutaneous scar (65.00%), beak-shaped nose (55.00%), cutaneous hypopigmentaion (30.00%), and dysphagia (30.00%) in SS cases. Among reported intraoral manifestations, oral trismus, dental caries, and absence of bleeding on periodontal probing were the most common (85.00%), followed by depapillaion of tongue and burning sensation (75.00%), mucosal pigmentation (65.00%), xerostomia (60.00%), localized gingival recession (40.00%), and tooth mobility (25.00%) in SS cases. Among radiographic alterations, periodontal ligament widening was most common (65.00%), followed by mandibular angle resorption (45.00%), condylar and coronoid process resorption (35.00%), and ramus resorption (10.00%) in SS cases. Conclusion: The study results allow a rational understanding of orofacial manifestations and radiological alteration and their impact on oral health status in SS patients which enable the dentist for a better diagnosis and evolve a comprehensive treatment plan.