Chapter 27. Diseases of the Dental System and Oral Cavity
14 topics with concise breakdowns: definitions, key facts, and class questions.
Chapter 27 is dedicated to the pathological anatomy of diseases of the dentition, jaw system, and oral cavity. Here we analyze the morphological substrate of pathologies that dentists and maxillofacial surgeons encounter in their daily practice.
The section covers a wide range of conditions: from non-carious dental lesions, dental caries, and its predictable complications (pulpitis, apical periodontitis) to inflammatory processes of the oral mucosa and soft tissues (stomatitis, cheilitis, glossitis, sialadenitis). Periodontal diseases, jaw cysts, and a complex group of neoplasms—odontogenic and non-odontogenic jaw tumors, dysplasias, salivary gland tumors, and oral cancer—are examined in detail.
Practical classes and exams traditionally emphasize the microscopic picture of caries stages, outcomes of apical periodontitis, and the differential diagnosis of odontogenic cysts. The morphology of ameloblastoma and malignant mucosal tumors is also frequently tested. Understanding these topics is the foundation of clinical thinking in making a diagnosis.
What is the main cause of the development of Friedreich's ataxia?
The disease occurs due to a genetic mutation at the 9q13 locus. This leads to impaired synthesis of the mitochondrial protein frataxin, which normally provides antioxidant protection to cells.
Why does dental calculus form and does it cause caries?
Dental calculus is formed by the calcification of undisturbed dental plaque. By itself, it does not cause caries, but it serves as an ideal platform for the accumulation of new dental plaque.
What is a pulp polyp and in whom is it most commonly found?
This is a macroscopic manifestation of chronic hypertrophic (granulating) pulpitis, in which excessive granulation tissue protrudes mushroom-like from the destroyed dental crown. The pathology is most characteristic of children and young adults.
What serves as the source of epithelium during the formation of an epithelial granuloma?
The epithelium differentiates from the cell rests of Malassez—remnants of the odontogenic epithelium in the periodontium.
What is the main difference between periodontitis and periodontosis?
Periodontitis begins with gingival inflammation and is always accompanied by periodontal pocket formation. Periodontosis is a primarily dystrophic bone process proceeding without preceding gingivitis, where pathological pockets are initially absent.
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