Unilateral severe chronic periodontitis associated with ipsilateral surgical resection of cranial nerves V, VI, and VII.
BACKGROUND
The central and peripheral nervous systems participate in several local physiological and pathological processes. There is experimental evidence that the inflammatory, local immune, and wound healing responses of a tissue can be modulated by its innervation. The aim of this clinical report is to present a case of unilateral severe periodontitis associated with ipsilateral surgical resection of the fifth, sixth, and seventh cranial nerves and to discuss the possible contribution of the nervous system to periodontal pathogenesis.


METHODS
A 39-year-old female patient with a history of a cerebrovascular accident caused by a right pontine arteriovenous malformation and destruction of the right fifth, sixth, and seventh cranial nerves was diagnosed with severe chronic periodontitis affecting only the right maxillary and mandibular quadrants. The patient's oral hygiene was similar for right and left sides of the mouth. Percentages of tooth surfaces carrying dental plaque were 41% and 36% for right and left sides, respectively. Non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy was performed, and the patient was placed on a regular periodontal maintenance schedule.


RESULTS
Healing following initial periodontal therapy and osseous periodontal surgery occurred without complications. Follow-up clinical findings at 1 year revealed stable periodontal health.


CONCLUSIONS
This case report suggests that periodontal innervation may contribute to the regulation of local processes involved in periodontitis pathogenesis. It also suggests that periodontal therapy can be performed successfully at sites and in patients affected by paralysis.
Section of Periodontology, College of Dentistry, Ohio State University Health Sciences Center, Columbus, OH 43218-2357, USA.
Matthew M
MM
Zavarella
Binnaz
B
Leblebicioglu
Lewis J
LJ
Claman
Dimitris N
DN
Tatakis
D000010:Abducens Nerve / Q000601:surgery*; D000328:Adult; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000209:etiology; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005154:Facial Nerve / Q000601:surgery*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005884:Gingival Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D002538:Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D017622:Periodontal Attachment Loss / Q000209:etiology; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000209:etiology*; D011149:Pons / Q000098:blood supply / Q000601:surgery; D020521:Stroke / Q000209:etiology; D014276:Trigeminal Nerve / Q000601:surgery*