Endocrine Abstracts

Introduction: Dento-maxillary system changes associated to thyroid disorders are constantly present. Differentiated impairment, depending on the period of evolution of the disease, explains the high percentage of over 60% of cases with parodonthopathy.

Aim of the study: Evaluating the oro-maxillo-facial changes in patients with underdose treated hypothyroidism.

Methods: The study group comprised 154 patients with hypothyroidism, 132 women and 22 men. The examination included the assessment of oral cavity under parodontal status, the quality of dentition, changes of dento-maxillary dynamics.

Results: Facial and lip changes were present in 28.4% of cases; macroglossia 13%; mucoid infiltration of lingual mucosa and oral submucosa −76%; gingivitis and chronic marginal periodontitis −98%; pathological tooth mobility – grade 1(73%) and grade 2 (15%); 12 patients (9.16%) required periodontal abscess drainage – 2 cases of upper premolars (14%) – 10 cases of lower molars (36,5%). Modification of occlusion by changing maximum pressure points – 72 patients (52%). A total of 61 patients (46.5%) presented vestibular pockets – 23 periodontal (17.5%), 25 palatal (19%) and 13 with lingual localization (10%). The average time of evolution of hypothyroidism with subdosed treatment was 4.3±1.2 months. Dental cavities were present in 77% of patients; partial edentation – in 89.3%; total edentation – 9.16%.

Atrophied prosthetic field: Four cases (3%); 8 cases (6%): osteophitic hyperostosis. The average time of evolution of hyperthyroidism: 7.4±1.5 months. The specific dento-parodontal and prosthetic treatment previously assumes the control of the thyroid hormone deficiency.

Conclusions: Periodontal changes are almost constantly found in hypothyroidism. The extent of the disease without a normal substitution is directly proportional to the severity and a high incidence of complications.