Diagnostic dental radiographs not allowed! A child with ataxia telangiectasia.
BACKGROUND
Ataxia telangiectasia (AT) is a rare neurodegenerative condition which has not previously been reported in the dental literature. It is a life threatening and debilitating disorder of progressive cerebellar ataxia and choreoathetosis, progressive oculocutaneous telangiectasias, immunodeficiency with susceptibility to sinopulmonary infections, impaired organ maturation, X-ray hypersensitivity, and a high incidence of malignancies. Of importance in dentistry is the contra-indication for taking diagnostic radiographs.


METHODS
A 5-year-old girl with AT was referred by her paediatrician for dental care as she had never been seen by a dentist. She presented with caries affecting a number of primary teeth. Diagnostic radiographs could not be taken due to her X-ray hypersensitivity.


METHODS
She was given antibiotic prophylaxis for dental treatment under general anaesthetic. She had composite restorations, stainless steel crowns and extractions completed.


RESULTS
She has been reviewed for over 2 years with ongoing enhanced prevention.


CONCLUSIONS
This case reports a rare condition in which diagnostic dental radiographs are contra-indicated.
Bradford District Care Trust Salaried Dental Service, Bradford, UK, emily.keene@nhs.net.
E J
EJ
Keene
D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D001260:Ataxia Telangiectasia / Q000150:complications*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D000075202:Contraindications; D003442:Crowns; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill; D003731:Dental Caries / Q000628:therapy*; D003793:Dental Restoration, Permanent / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D011861:Radiography, Dental; D014081:Tooth Extraction; D014094:Tooth, Deciduous / Q000473:pathology