| Theme |
Oral Diseases and Oral Care in Dialysis Patients |
| Title |
Dentin hypersensitivity, dental caries and pulpal diseases in dialysis patients |
| Author |
Hideaki Suda |
Pulp Biology and Endodontics, Department of Restorative Sciences, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University |
| [ Summary ] |
Patients receiving dialysis (PRDs) frequently complain of dentin hypersensitivity (DH), which may be due to the fact that they are fond of cold foods and water. Treatment of DH is based on the occlusion of open dentinal tubules on the exposed dentin surface and sedation of sensitized tooth pulp nerves. When pain elicited by DH becomes strong, total pulp extirpation may be required. Therefore, early treatment is of prime importance for DH care. On the other hand, PRDs do not have a higher risk of dental caries. The pH of their saliva is maintained at a higher level. Hence, their oral environment is not suitable for the formation of dental caries. Many investigators have reported that there are no statistical differences between the number of dental caries observed in PRDs and healthy control groups. However, early diagnosis and treatment of dental caries are imperative for PRD treatment, due to the immuno-compromised conditions of these patients. |