Dental Treatment Approach Under General Anesthesia for a Patient with Rare Nemaline Myopathy: A Case Report

Nemaline myopathy is a rare congenital disorder affecting skeletal muscles. Nemaline myopathy presents symptoms such as muscle weakness, hypotonia, and functional impairments that often become apparent in infancy or early childhood. In addition to motor difficulties, patients with nemaline myopathy frequently encounter significant oral health challenges, including an increased risk of dental care, malocclusion, and gingival infections. The reasons for these problems are impaired chewing function, excessive salivary flow, and structural anomalies in the oral cavity. These issues, combined with the possibility of systemic complications such as cardiac anomalies and respiratory problems, necessitate specialized medical and dental care. This report describes the dental treatment of a 3.5-year-old child diagnosed with nemaline myopathy, who presented with severe dental decay and associated complications necessitating comprehensive care under general anesthesia. Due to the patient’s inability to tolerate in-office procedures and risks such as malignant hyperthermia, treatment was carefully planned within a hospital setting, involving extractions, restorations, and preventive measures. Preoperative assessments and a multidisciplinary approach ensured both safety and effectiveness in managing the child’s complex needs. This case emphasizes the importance of tailored dental care and collaborative management for patients with rare neuromuscular disorders. It offers guidance for addressing their unique challenges while prioritizing safety during treatment under general anesthesia.