Chapter 8 Flashcards
Oral Pathology
Abscess
It is a localized collection of pus in a specific
area of soft tissue or bone. Often it is confined in
a particular space, and is commonly caused by
a bacterial infection.
Cyst
It is an enclosed pouch or sac containing
fluid or semi-solid material.
Ulcers
They are a disruption of the superficial
covering of the mucosa or skin caused by biting,
denture irritation, toothbrush injury, viruses or
other irritants.
Hematoma: A localized collection of
blood that escaped from blood vessels due to
trauma. It is well-defined and with time,
changes to a dark color
Vesicles: A small elevation that contains
fluid. Most of these lesions in the oral cavity
rupture, leaving superficial ulcers
The cause of tooth decay has been linked to a
group of bacteria called streptococci and other
acid producing bacteria that are in the oral
cavity. Decalcification of the enamel, the first
step in the decay process, is caused by:
Bacterial plaque adhering to the smooth
surfaces of the teeth
Acid, produced by bacteria in food debris,
being trapped in pits and fissures
Decay Process
Dental caries usually appear first as a chalky
white spot on the enamel, which indicates the
decalcification process. If proper oral hygiene is
not maintained, the lesion may become stained
and take on a dark appearance. In pit and
fissure caries, the area of decalcification at the
surface is normally small, and the white spot is
less noticeable than in smooth surface caries. In
either type, the surface becomes roughened, as
can be noted by passing a dental explorer point
over it.
Improper cavity preparation: The dentist
was unable to remove all of the decay in the
tooth before the placement of a restoration
Inadequate cavity restoration: Open
margins (space in-between the restoration
and tooth)
Old restorations: The margins of the
restoration break down or are not
completely sealed when originally placed,
creating a “leaky margin”
A periapical abscess results when the pulp
has become inflamed and a small pus-like
abscess forms in the pulpal canal. If left
untreated, the inflammation spreads out
through the apex of the root and into the bone.
As the abscess gets bigger, pressure from the
inflammation and pus at the apex of the root
may cause the tooth to be pushed up higher in
its socket. The patient may complain the tooth
feels “high” when biting and is very sensitive
to touch.
Pulpalgia refers to pain in the dental pulp
and commonly occurs after a restoration has
been placed in a tooth. It can be caused by root
planing and periodontal surgery. The tooth may
become sensitive to touch, temperature
changes, and sweet or sour foods. Pain
associated with pulpalgia has been described as
short, sharp shooting pain that may increase
when lying down or walking upstairs.
Pulpitis is an inflammation of the dental
pulp, caused by a bacterial infection resulting
from dental caries or fractured teeth. When
mircroorganisms enter the pulp, they start to
produce severe damage, which leads to the
buildup of pressure in the canal. The result of
this pressure may cause a dull ache that can
lead to a more severe, pulsating pain.
Periodontal disease is the most prevalent
chronic disease of humankind. The term
periodontal disease refers to all diseases of the
periodontium and can affect the tissues around
and supporting the teeth.
Periodontitis (Fig. 8-6) is a chronic
inflammatory condition that involves the
gingiva, crest of the alveolar bone, and
periodontal membrane. This condition results in
loss of bone that supports the teeth, periodontal
pocket formation, and causes an increase of
tooth mobility. It usually develops as a result of
untreated chronic marginal gingivitis. The color
of the gingival tissues is intensified and
becomes bluish red as the disease progresses. A
gradual recession of the periodontal tissue will
occur
Disordered growth
Dysplasia
Benign lesion of bone characterized histologically by cellular fibrous connective tissue admixed with irregularly shaped bone trabeculae or cementoid material.
Benign fibro-osseous lesion
Relatively common disease of unknown cause that affects the periapical bone; asymptomatic; affects the anterior mandible of patients older than 30 years of age; black women mostly; composed of a combination of fibrous tissue and calcifications.
Periapical cemento-osseous dysplasia.
Asymptomatic fibroosseous lesion that occurs in the posterior mandible and appears as an isolated well delineated radiolucent to radiopaque lesion that is less than 1.5 cm in size; composed of numerous gritty pieces of soft and hard tissue; .white women more than black.
Focal cemento-osseous dysplasia
Characterized by disordered cementum and bone development; affects multiple quadrants in the maxilla and mandible; black women over 40; complication of this condition may lead to development of osteomyelities.
Florid cemento-osseous dysplasia
This type of polyostotic fibrous dysplasia involves multiple bones along with associated cafe au lait macules on the skin.
Jaffe type (Jaffe-Lichtenstein)
Some types of lesions are called idiopathic erosion because the factors producing this condition are unknown or may occur from a known acid source such as people who have bulimia, an eating disorder characterized by binge eating and self induced vomiting
Another factor could be drinking excessive sodas.
Attrition is the loss of substance of a tooth from a wearing away process caused by teeth against teeth.
abrasion results in the loss of tooth structure secondary to the action of external agents.
In attrition, wear involves aspects on the incisal, occlusal, and interproximal surfaces of the teeth and is considered a normal or gradual loss of tooth substance because of the mastication of food.
Causes of occlusal attrition can result from bruxism (grinding of teeth), chewing of tobacco or gum
