Dental-craniofacial manifestation and treatment of rare diseases

Abstract

Rare diseases are usually genetic, chronic and incurable disorders with a relatively low incidence. Developments in the diagnosis and management of rare diseases have been relatively slow due to a lack of sufficient profit motivation and market to attract research by companies. However, due to the attention of government and society as well as economic development, rare diseases have been gradually become an increasing concern. As several dental-craniofacial manifestations are associated with rare diseases, we summarize them in this study to help dentists and oral maxillofacial surgeons provide an early diagnosis and subsequent management for patients with these rare diseases.

Oral Diseases: Dental and craniofacial indications associated with rare diseases

Rare diseases are typically genetic, chronic, incurable disorders with a relatively low incidence, and a number of dental and craniofacial manifestations are associated with such diseases. A team headed by En Luo and Hanghang Liu at Sichuan University in China conducted a large-scale review of the manifestations and treatment of rare diseases related to dental and craniofacial disorders. The authors found that in their early stages, several rare diseases exhibit distinctive dental and craniofacial characteristics. Provided they understand the clinical features, dentists and oral surgeons are the individuals best placed to make an early identification of such diseases. The authors believe that their findings will help clinicians fully grasp the related clinical signs and potential treatments of rare diseases, thereby facilitating early diagnosis and patient management as well as improving prognosis.