Sickle cell disease: a diagnostic dilemma

Abstract

The case history is described of a patient with sickle cell anaemia who developed a unilateral infarct of the mandible following a sickle cell crisis. The interruption of the blood supply resulted in an anaesthesia of the inferior dental nerve and pulpal necrosis of otherwise sound premolar and molar teeth. The diagnostic and management difficulties of the case are discussed, and recommendations are made for treatment of such patients in light of the problems encountered.