Dental Management of the Patient with Systemic Sclerosis (3rd Edition)

Course overview

Systemic sclerosis (SSc), or scleroderma, is an uncommon autoimmune disease characterized by vascular abnormalities and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. The disease predominately affects women with an average age of onset of 45 years and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This Quality Resource Guide (QRG) reviews the role of autoimmunity as an etiology for various diseases, specifically discussing the symptoms, clinical manifestations, diagnostic criteria, medical management, prognosis, pharmacologic agents used in management of SSc. Narrative dialogue and concise tables describe: orofacial manifestations of SSc; concerns that the dentist must consider when recommending preventive regimes and must control when delivering therapy (hyposalivation, microstomia, side effects of management drugs used), and; methods to control oral diseases that could complicate systemic disease management. This QRG will serve as an important resource for the dentist, and members of the office staff, as they assist with management of this devastating disease.