Epilepsy and the dental management of the epileptic patient.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article is to educate oral healthcare providers on the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy and seizure disorders. It also shows the impact of epilepsy on the oral cavity and provides suggestions on the dental management of epileptic patients.


METHODS
Epilepsy and seizure disorders affect 1.5 million Americans. The disease is caused by a number of genetic, physiologic, and infectious disorders as well as trauma. Treatment is primarily pharmaceutical but can also be surgical. The disease itself and the pharmaceutical management often have an impact on the oral cavity. Primary management considerations are the provision of good periodontal care and the restoration of the teeth with stable, strong restorations.


CONCLUSIONS
With proper understanding of patients with epilepsy and seizure disorders and their medical treatment, the dental care team can safely and effectively render dental care that will benefit the patient and minimize the risk of oral health problems in the future.
Jacobsen
Peter L
PL
Department of Pathology and Medicine, Oral Medicine Clinic in Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry at University of Pacific in San Francisco, CA, USA. pgjacobs@pacbell.net
Eden
Oleksandra
O
D000927:Anticonvulsants / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill / Q000379:methods*; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods; D004827:Epilepsy / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D013997:Time Factors
D000927:Anticonvulsants