Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which of the following is NOT typically included within the scope of rheumatology?
Which of the following is NOT typically included within the scope of rheumatology?
- Musculoskeletal diseases
- Systemic autoimmune conditions
- Infectious diseases (correct)
- Conditions affecting internal organs
What is a key characteristic of autoimmune conditions, as they relate to rheumatology?
What is a key characteristic of autoimmune conditions, as they relate to rheumatology?
- The body becomes resistant to external pathogens.
- There is an overproduction of red blood cells.
- The immune system attacks healthy tissues in the body. (correct)
- The immune system is weakened, leading to frequent infections.
Which activity is LEAST likely to be performed by a rheumatologist?
Which activity is LEAST likely to be performed by a rheumatologist?
- Performing surgical interventions. (correct)
- Measuring autoantibodies.
- Prescribing immunomodulatory drugs.
- Conducting research.
Which of the following is classified as a degenerative condition typically seen by rheumatologists?
Which of the following is classified as a degenerative condition typically seen by rheumatologists?
Which of the following is a typical aim of immunomodulatory drugs used by rheumatologists?
Which of the following is a typical aim of immunomodulatory drugs used by rheumatologists?
A patient presents with joint pain, fatigue, and a butterfly-shaped rash on their face. Which condition is MOST likely?
A patient presents with joint pain, fatigue, and a butterfly-shaped rash on their face. Which condition is MOST likely?
In the context of rheumatology, what does the term 'oral manifestation' refer to?
In the context of rheumatology, what does the term 'oral manifestation' refer to?
Which medication is MOST associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)?
Which medication is MOST associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)?
For a patient about to start bisphosphonate treatment, what dental advice is most appropriate?
For a patient about to start bisphosphonate treatment, what dental advice is most appropriate?
What is a primary characteristic of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?
What is a primary characteristic of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?
What is a concerning symptom in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) that requires immediate attention?
What is a concerning symptom in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) that requires immediate attention?
A patient presents with dry mouth, dry eyes, and joint pain. Which condition is MOST likely?
A patient presents with dry mouth, dry eyes, and joint pain. Which condition is MOST likely?
What is the underlying process in Sjogren's syndrome?
What is the underlying process in Sjogren's syndrome?
If a patient mentions experiencing new or worsening visual disturbances alongside symptoms potentially indicative of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), what immediate action should be taken?
If a patient mentions experiencing new or worsening visual disturbances alongside symptoms potentially indicative of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA), what immediate action should be taken?
A researcher is investigating the pathogenesis of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). They are looking for factors that might trigger the inflammatory cascade. Which of the following, if definitively proven, would be the LEAST expected or MOST surprising discovery, given current understanding of GCA?
A researcher is investigating the pathogenesis of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). They are looking for factors that might trigger the inflammatory cascade. Which of the following, if definitively proven, would be the LEAST expected or MOST surprising discovery, given current understanding of GCA?
What is the primary target of immunomodulatory drugs used in rheumatology?
What is the primary target of immunomodulatory drugs used in rheumatology?
Which of the following is an example of a degenerative condition often managed in rheumatology?
Which of the following is an example of a degenerative condition often managed in rheumatology?
Why is a dentist's role significant in managing patients with rheumatological conditions?
Why is a dentist's role significant in managing patients with rheumatological conditions?
A patient undergoing treatment for osteoporosis reports a non-healing extraction socket. Which medication class is MOST concerning regarding osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)?
A patient undergoing treatment for osteoporosis reports a non-healing extraction socket. Which medication class is MOST concerning regarding osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ)?
Prior to commencing bisphosphonate treatment, what is the MOST crucial dental recommendation?
Prior to commencing bisphosphonate treatment, what is the MOST crucial dental recommendation?
Which feature is MOST indicative of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?
Which feature is MOST indicative of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?
A patient with suspected Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) reports sudden vision changes. What is the MOST appropriate next step?
A patient with suspected Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) reports sudden vision changes. What is the MOST appropriate next step?
What is the immunological basis of Sjogren's syndrome?
What is the immunological basis of Sjogren's syndrome?
Which oral condition is MOST suggestive of Sjogren's syndrome?
Which oral condition is MOST suggestive of Sjogren's syndrome?
Which oral finding would be LEAST likely to be associated with Sjogren's syndrome?
Which oral finding would be LEAST likely to be associated with Sjogren's syndrome?
In the context of rheumatology, what does 'systemic' refer to?
In the context of rheumatology, what does 'systemic' refer to?
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be a symptom of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?
Which of the following is LEAST likely to be a symptom of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?
What is the role of genetic factors in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?
What is the role of genetic factors in Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?
Very difficult: A researcher hypothesizes that a novel virus is a primary trigger for Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). Which of the following findings would provide the WEAKEST evidence against this hypothesis?
Very difficult: A researcher hypothesizes that a novel virus is a primary trigger for Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). Which of the following findings would provide the WEAKEST evidence against this hypothesis?
Insanely difficult: A clinical trial is evaluating a new drug targeting IL-6 for Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). Initial results show significant improvement in systemic inflammation markers (CRP, ESR) but no reduction in the incidence of visual loss compared to the standard treatment (high-dose corticosteroids). What is the MOST likely explanation for this discrepancy?
Insanely difficult: A clinical trial is evaluating a new drug targeting IL-6 for Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA). Initial results show significant improvement in systemic inflammation markers (CRP, ESR) but no reduction in the incidence of visual loss compared to the standard treatment (high-dose corticosteroids). What is the MOST likely explanation for this discrepancy?
Which of the following extra-glandular features is commonly associated with Sjogren's syndrome?
Which of the following extra-glandular features is commonly associated with Sjogren's syndrome?
What is a significant oral health concern directly linked to xerostomia?
What is a significant oral health concern directly linked to xerostomia?
What is the primary mechanism of action of methotrexate in treating rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions?
What is the primary mechanism of action of methotrexate in treating rheumatoid arthritis and related conditions?
In the management of xerostomia, which of the following interventions directly stimulates salivary flow?
In the management of xerostomia, which of the following interventions directly stimulates salivary flow?
What oral manifestation is most characteristic of Behcet's disease?
What oral manifestation is most characteristic of Behcet's disease?
Why is the incidence of periodontal disease increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
Why is the incidence of periodontal disease increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
What is the primary genetic factor associated with Behcet's disease?
What is the primary genetic factor associated with Behcet's disease?
Which feature is MOST indicative of Systemic Sclerosis, impacting oral health?
Which feature is MOST indicative of Systemic Sclerosis, impacting oral health?
Insanely difficult: A patient with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis develops multiple non-healing oral ulcers. They are on weekly methotrexate and folic acid supplementation. Despite dose adjustments and topical treatments, the ulcers persist. Which of the following interventions is the LEAST likely to provide significant relief, considering potential underlying mechanisms and drug interactions?
Insanely difficult: A patient with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis develops multiple non-healing oral ulcers. They are on weekly methotrexate and folic acid supplementation. Despite dose adjustments and topical treatments, the ulcers persist. Which of the following interventions is the LEAST likely to provide significant relief, considering potential underlying mechanisms and drug interactions?
Very difficult: A researcher is investigating the role of oral microbiota in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They find that Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) induces citrullination in vitro, but observe that only a small subset of RA patients show elevated levels of antibodies against citrullinated Pg proteins and have a specific genetic variant predisposing them to increased intestinal permeability. What is the MOST plausible conclusion based on these findings?
Very difficult: A researcher is investigating the role of oral microbiota in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). They find that Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) induces citrullination in vitro, but observe that only a small subset of RA patients show elevated levels of antibodies against citrullinated Pg proteins and have a specific genetic variant predisposing them to increased intestinal permeability. What is the MOST plausible conclusion based on these findings?
Which extra-glandular manifestation is commonly associated with Sjogren's syndrome?
Which extra-glandular manifestation is commonly associated with Sjogren's syndrome?
What is a significant negative impact of xerostomia on a patient's well-being?
What is a significant negative impact of xerostomia on a patient's well-being?
Which of the following is a recommended management strategy for xerostomia?
Which of the following is a recommended management strategy for xerostomia?
What is a primary oral health challenge associated with periodontal disease in patients with rheumatological conditions?
What is a primary oral health challenge associated with periodontal disease in patients with rheumatological conditions?
In the context of periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), what role do oral microbiota, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, play?
In the context of periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), what role do oral microbiota, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis, play?
What feature is most characteristic of oral ulcers associated with Behcet's disease?
What feature is most characteristic of oral ulcers associated with Behcet's disease?
What is a common recommendation regarding diet for patients with Behcet's disease experiencing oral ulcers?
What is a common recommendation regarding diet for patients with Behcet's disease experiencing oral ulcers?
A patient with a known autoimmune condition presents with multiple shallow oral ulcers after being advised to increase their methotrexate dosage. What is the MOST likely cause of these ulcers?
A patient with a known autoimmune condition presents with multiple shallow oral ulcers after being advised to increase their methotrexate dosage. What is the MOST likely cause of these ulcers?
What oral manifestation might be expected in a patient with systemic sclerosis that could impact their oral hygiene practices?
What oral manifestation might be expected in a patient with systemic sclerosis that could impact their oral hygiene practices?
Insanely difficult: A patient with known systemic sclerosis exhibits microstomia, telangiectasia, and xerostomia. Despite diligent oral hygiene, they develop rampant caries and severe periodontitis. Which intervention addresses the MOST underlying factors contributing to this patient's oral health decline?
Insanely difficult: A patient with known systemic sclerosis exhibits microstomia, telangiectasia, and xerostomia. Despite diligent oral hygiene, they develop rampant caries and severe periodontitis. Which intervention addresses the MOST underlying factors contributing to this patient's oral health decline?
Rheumatology primarily involves the study and treatment of what?
Rheumatology primarily involves the study and treatment of what?
What is a key characteristic that defines autoimmune conditions within the scope of rheumatology?
What is a key characteristic that defines autoimmune conditions within the scope of rheumatology?
Which of these diagnostic methods is frequently utilized by rheumatologists to identify specific conditions?
Which of these diagnostic methods is frequently utilized by rheumatologists to identify specific conditions?
What is the primary purpose of immunomodulatory drugs in rheumatology?
What is the primary purpose of immunomodulatory drugs in rheumatology?
Which of the following best exemplifies a degenerative condition often addressed within the field of rheumatology?
Which of the following best exemplifies a degenerative condition often addressed within the field of rheumatology?
How can a dentist contribute to the care of a patient with a rheumatological condition?
How can a dentist contribute to the care of a patient with a rheumatological condition?
What is a potential oral complication linked to the use of bisphosphonates?
What is a potential oral complication linked to the use of bisphosphonates?
What dental recommendation is most appropriate before commencing bisphosphonate therapy?
What dental recommendation is most appropriate before commencing bisphosphonate therapy?
What is a key characteristic of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?
What is a key characteristic of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?
A patient reports jaw pain while chewing; what rheumatological condition might this suggest?
A patient reports jaw pain while chewing; what rheumatological condition might this suggest?
What is a primary immunological feature of Sjogren's syndrome?
What is a primary immunological feature of Sjogren's syndrome?
What oral health problem is most closely associated with Sjogren's syndrome?
What oral health problem is most closely associated with Sjogren's syndrome?
Which extra-glandular manifestation can occur in Sjogren's syndrome?
Which extra-glandular manifestation can occur in Sjogren's syndrome?
How does xerostomia impact the prevalence of dental caries?
How does xerostomia impact the prevalence of dental caries?
What is a management strategy for patients experiencing xerostomia?
What is a management strategy for patients experiencing xerostomia?
Which oral feature is most characteristic of Behcet's disease?
Which oral feature is most characteristic of Behcet's disease?
Why might systemic sclerosis affect oral hygiene practices?
Why might systemic sclerosis affect oral hygiene practices?
In the context of GCA, why is prompt ophthalmological assessment critical for the diagnosis of visual disturbances?
In the context of GCA, why is prompt ophthalmological assessment critical for the diagnosis of visual disturbances?
A researcher is exploring the genetic and environmental factors of GCA. If they discover a common bacterial species present in a high percentage of GCA patients, yet the same species triggers a protective immune response, what can you say about the relationship of the bacteria to the disease?
A researcher is exploring the genetic and environmental factors of GCA. If they discover a common bacterial species present in a high percentage of GCA patients, yet the same species triggers a protective immune response, what can you say about the relationship of the bacteria to the disease?
A patient with long-term rheumatoid arthritis and reports persistent dry mouth. They're currently being treated with methotrexate, and their dentist is exploring options to enhance their oral health. Apart from artificial saliva and frequent water intake, which additional measure is the MOST important to apply in order to deal with the negative effects of dry mouth caused by Sjogren's syndrome?
A patient with long-term rheumatoid arthritis and reports persistent dry mouth. They're currently being treated with methotrexate, and their dentist is exploring options to enhance their oral health. Apart from artificial saliva and frequent water intake, which additional measure is the MOST important to apply in order to deal with the negative effects of dry mouth caused by Sjogren's syndrome?
Which of the following best describes the primary focus of rheumatology?
Which of the following best describes the primary focus of rheumatology?
What is a key characteristic of autoimmune conditions within the context of rheumatology?
What is a key characteristic of autoimmune conditions within the context of rheumatology?
Which of the following activities is MOST likely undertaken by a rheumatologist in a hospital or community setting?
Which of the following activities is MOST likely undertaken by a rheumatologist in a hospital or community setting?
Which of the following is an example of a metabolic bone disease often managed in rheumatology?
Which of the following is an example of a metabolic bone disease often managed in rheumatology?
Why might a dentist suspect a rheumatological issue based on an oral examination?
Why might a dentist suspect a rheumatological issue based on an oral examination?
What is a potential oral health complication directly related to the use of bisphosphonates?
What is a potential oral health complication directly related to the use of bisphosphonates?
Why is completing dental work recommended prior to starting bisphosphonate treatment?
Why is completing dental work recommended prior to starting bisphosphonate treatment?
What is a key characteristic feature of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?
What is a key characteristic feature of Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA)?
What is a common symptom associated with Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) that a dentist might identify during a patient consultation?
What is a common symptom associated with Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) that a dentist might identify during a patient consultation?
Xerostomia can lead to which of the following oral health problems?
Xerostomia can lead to which of the following oral health problems?
What is a common recommendation for managing xerostomia?
What is a common recommendation for managing xerostomia?
Which systemic condition is MOST likely to cause limited mouth opening?
Which systemic condition is MOST likely to cause limited mouth opening?
When should a dentist consider referring a patient with suspected Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) for immediate assessment?
When should a dentist consider referring a patient with suspected Giant Cell Arteritis (GCA) for immediate assessment?
What are the two main exocrine glands primarily affected in Sjogren's syndrome?
What are the two main exocrine glands primarily affected in Sjogren's syndrome?
Which condition increases the risk of periodontal disease in a patient with an autoimmune rheumatic condition?
Which condition increases the risk of periodontal disease in a patient with an autoimmune rheumatic condition?
In managing Behcet's disease, what dietary recommendation is typically given to alleviate oral ulcer discomfort?
In managing Behcet's disease, what dietary recommendation is typically given to alleviate oral ulcer discomfort?
A patient with long-term rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed weekly methotrexate. What supplement is commonly prescribed to reduce methotrexate's side effects?
A patient with long-term rheumatoid arthritis is prescribed weekly methotrexate. What supplement is commonly prescribed to reduce methotrexate's side effects?
A patient with systemic sclerosis exhibits microstomia. How could this impact their oral hygiene?
A patient with systemic sclerosis exhibits microstomia. How could this impact their oral hygiene?
Insanely difficult: A patient with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis develops multiple non-healing oral ulcers. They are on weekly methotrexate and folic acid supplementation, and have tried adjusting the dosage of methotrexate to no avail. The ulcers are not responding to topical steroid treatment. What is the next most likely step to consider?
Insanely difficult: A patient with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis develops multiple non-healing oral ulcers. They are on weekly methotrexate and folic acid supplementation, and have tried adjusting the dosage of methotrexate to no avail. The ulcers are not responding to topical steroid treatment. What is the next most likely step to consider?
Flashcards
What is rheumatology?
What is rheumatology?
A broad field that includes musculoskeletal disease and systemic autoimmune conditions.
What does a rheumatologist do?
What does a rheumatologist do?
Diagnosing, imaging, prescribing immunomodulatory drugs, working with other specialists and research.
Examples of Rheumatological Diseases
Examples of Rheumatological Diseases
Includes degenerative, inflammatory, systemic, metabolic diseases, chronic pain, and life threatening complications.
Why a dentist is important in rheumatology?
Why a dentist is important in rheumatology?
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Medication-related Osteonecrosis (ONJ) of the jaw
Medication-related Osteonecrosis (ONJ) of the jaw
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Risk Factors of Medication-related Osteonecrosis (ONJ)
Risk Factors of Medication-related Osteonecrosis (ONJ)
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Giant Cell Arteritis
Giant Cell Arteritis
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Symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis
Symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis
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Management of Sight loss during Giant Cell Arteritis
Management of Sight loss during Giant Cell Arteritis
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Sjogren's Syndrome Definition
Sjogren's Syndrome Definition
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Why is the dentist important in rheumatology
Why is the dentist important in rheumatology
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Prevention of dental issues in rheumatology
Prevention of dental issues in rheumatology
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Autoimmune conditions
Autoimmune conditions
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Degenerative Conditions
Degenerative Conditions
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Inflammatory Conditions
Inflammatory Conditions
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Systemic/Connective Tissue Diseases
Systemic/Connective Tissue Diseases
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Metabolic Bone Diseases
Metabolic Bone Diseases
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Chronic Pain
Chronic Pain
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Pre-treatment dental care
Pre-treatment dental care
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Medication-related Osteonecrosis
Medication-related Osteonecrosis
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Sjogren's syndrome
Sjogren's syndrome
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Xerostomia
Xerostomia
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Xerostomia Management
Xerostomia Management
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Periodontal Disease & Rheumatic Conditions
Periodontal Disease & Rheumatic Conditions
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Behcet's Disease
Behcet's Disease
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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
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Methotrexate & Oral Mucositis
Methotrexate & Oral Mucositis
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Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disease
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Disease
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Systemic Sclerosis
Systemic Sclerosis
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Extra-glandular Features
Extra-glandular Features
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Oral Hygiene Challenges
Oral Hygiene Challenges
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Bechet's disease Prevalence
Bechet's disease Prevalence
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Systemic Sclerosis Signs
Systemic Sclerosis Signs
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What are autoimmune conditions?
What are autoimmune conditions?
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What are degenerative diseases?
What are degenerative diseases?
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What are inflammatory conditions?
What are inflammatory conditions?
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What are systemic diseases?
What are systemic diseases?
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What are metabolic bone diseases?
What are metabolic bone diseases?
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What is chronic pain?
What is chronic pain?
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What is Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ)?
What is Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ)?
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What is dental work prior to treatment?
What is dental work prior to treatment?
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What is Xerostomia?
What is Xerostomia?
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What is Systemic Sclerosis?
What is Systemic Sclerosis?
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What is Microangiopathy?
What is Microangiopathy?
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What symptoms does a patient with TMJ have?
What symptoms does a patient with TMJ have?
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Rheumatological Diagnostics
Rheumatological Diagnostics
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Key questions for dental patients
Key questions for dental patients
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Medication-related Osteonecrosis (ONJ)
Medication-related Osteonecrosis (ONJ)
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Action for visual changes
Action for visual changes
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Sjogren's syndrome symptoms
Sjogren's syndrome symptoms
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Oral ulcers in Behcet's
Oral ulcers in Behcet's
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Significance of oral signs
Significance of oral signs
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Key Features of Systemic Sclerosis
Key Features of Systemic Sclerosis
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Action for vision changes
Action for vision changes
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Study Notes
- The session aims to improve understanding of rheumatology and knowledge of dental manifestations of related diseases.
- Session aims to improve ability to recognize rheumatological conditions and next steps.
What is Rheumatology?
- Rheumatology is a broad field including musculoskeletal disease and systemic autoimmune conditions.
- Autoimmune conditions occur when the immune system attacks the body, causing damage and symptoms.
- Rheumatology can affect any organ, including the mouth, eyes, skin, nervous system, and internal organs.
What Rheumatologists Do
- Rheumatologists diagnose and use imaging, biopsy, and measure autoantibodies.
- They use immunomodulatory drugs targeting parts of the immune system.
- They work in hospitals or community settings, collaborating with GPs and organ specialists, and conduct research.
Examples of Rheumatological Diseases
- Rheumatological diseases include degenerative, inflammatory, systemic, connective tissue and metabolic diseases of the bone.
- Examples include chronic Pain, and patients can become acutely unwell with life threatening complications.
- Degenerative diseases include conditions like Degenerative and Osteoarthritis
- Inflammatory diseases include conditions Gout and Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic/CTD diseases include Lupus
Why is the dentist important in rheumatology?
- The dentist is important in rheumatology because oral manifestations and treatment complications occur with the disease.
- Can be an early presentation of rheumatic disease; sometimes reflects disease activity.
Medication-related Osteonecrosis (ONJ) of the Jaw
- Medication-related Osteonecrosis (ONJ) of the Jaw occurs when the underlying jaw bone is not covered by gum.
- Lack of blood supply exposes the underlying bone, starving it of oxygen, eventually causing its death.
- Occurs in cancer patients (1 per 100) treated with anti-resorptive/anti-angiogenic drugs.
- Happens in osteoporotic patients (1 to 10 cases per 10,000) treated with anti-resorptive drugs.
- Can occur spontaneously or in patients taking bisphosphonates, denosumab, anti-angiogenic drugs.
Risk Factors for ONJ
- Risk factors for ONJ include any procedures that impacts bone, like tooth extraction or dental/mucosal trauma from ill-fitting dentures.
- Other risk factors include cumulative dose of bisphosphonate, dental infection/periodontal disease, and can occur spontaneously.
Preventing ONJ
- Complete any dental work prior to starting treatment for diseases
- Patient advice on optimising oral health.
Guidelines for General Dental Practice
- Use for oral health management, the Faculty of General Dental Practice guidelines.
- Relevant link: https://.fgdp.org.uk/SiD/a1-uk-guidelines-and-standards-dentistry
Giant Cell Arteritis
- Giant Cell Arteritis involves inflammation of cranial branches of the arteries originating from the aortic arch.
- Extracranial branches of external carotid arteries often involved.
- Prevalence is 1 in 400 in people aged over 55 years, with female preponderance.
- Etiology includes granulomatous vascular inflammation, cause unclear, genetic component, and infection triggers?
Symptoms of Giant Cell Arteritis
- It includes scalp tenderness, headache, jaw pain on chewing, tongue pain, and visual symptoms like blurred/double vision.
- Other symptoms; Weight loss and Fever.
Managing Giant Cell Arteritis
- Sight loss in GCA is a serious complication, can be temporary/permanent and requires specific inquiry.
- Visual changes need to be referred to A&E for assessment by ophthalmology on the same day.
Sjogren's Syndrome
- Sjogren's syndrome described by Swedish ophthalmologist Sjogren in 1933 is Systemic autoimmune disease.
- Affects up to 4% of the population, with a female preponderance of 9:1.
- It is a Lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrates within exocrine glands (salivary and lacrimal).
- Results in dry mouth (xerostomia) and eyes (xerophthalmia), found in 1 in 70 with primary and 1 in 35 secondary conditions.
Sjogren's syndrome Features
- Extra-glandular features can occur with joint and muscle pain, lymphadenopathy, renal disease and fatigue.
- There is an increased risk of lymphoma.
- Can be primary or secondary to another disease such as lupus.
Xerostomia
- Outside of Sjogren's medications, strong association with salivary gland dysfunction.
- Xerostomia has a negative impact on quality of life and a higher rate of dental caries and mucosal infections.
- Results in difficulty chewing and hoarseness.
Xerostomia Management
- (Sugar free) chewing gum and acidic sweets can help with management
- Using saliva substitutes or stimulating salivary flow with Pilocarpine can help.
- It helps to stop smoking, avoid alcohol and have good mouth care.
Periodontal Disease
- Periodontal disease is increased in RA, SLE, systemic sclerosis.
- May be due to xerostomia but also functional limitations, such as brushing teeth.
- Challenges for oral hygiene: Limited mouth opening due to TMJ disease, and difficulty tolerating.
- Increased risk of disease because of oral microbiota, porphryomonas gingivalis (induce citrullination, promote auto-antibody development)
Periodontal Disease Risk Factors
- Genetic risk factors (60% of risk); Susceptibility genes (for example, HLA-DRB1), epigenetic modifications
- Non-genetic risk factors (40% of risk); Smoking, microbiota, female, western diet, ethnic factors
- Risk factors lead to Initiation of autoimmunity, Preclinical RA, Early symptomatic autoimmunity, Early RA, Established RA
Bechet's Disease
- Bechet's disease; systemic vasculitis of unknown cause.
- Affects veins and arteries and causes recurrent oral and genital ulcers
- Can cause eye and skin disease, and joint pain.
- Oral ulcers are aphthous - painful, round, well defined ulcers, Heal with no scar.
- Oral ulceration of Bechet's has a risk of adrenal suppression through predinsolone mouthwash treatment.
- Management is Immunosuppressive agents, avoid spicy irritating foods and viscous lidocaine.
- Important to know the regional centres are in Liverpool, Birmingham and London.
- There is an increased prevalence along the silk road connecting East to West.
- Bechet's disease has an association with HLA-B51
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus is Multisystem autoimmune disease
- F:M - 10:1; Asian & African.
- Autoantibodies & Clinical features: Rash - butterfly, Oral ulcers, Joint pain, Secondary sjogren's, Internal organ involvement
- Aetiology - infection, drugs, smoking, solvents, silica
Methotrexate induced oral mucositis
- Methotrexate is used mainly for rhematoid arthritis but also in other diseases such as lupus.
- Methotrexate affects DNA production as an antimetabolite and immunosuppresant. Normally given weekly
- Folic acid supplementation reduces side effects.
- Oral mucositis and ulcers - dose dependant
- Treatment involves stopping the drug with subsequent healing of ulcers.
- Consider chlorhexidine or difflam mouth wash.
Systemic Sclerosis
- Microangiopathy is a disease of small blood vessels
- Can be due to rheumatoid polyarthritis (RP), digital ulceration, and telangiectasia.
- Causes skin thickening, perioral furrowing and cutaneous fibrosis.
- Causes lungs - ILD, pulmonary HTN, GI - reflux, motility, gastroparesis
- Oral manifestations includes; perioral skin fibrosis - limited mouth opening and Xerostomia - increased risk of periodontal disease.
- May cause Telangiectasia - vascular malformations which can affect the oral hygiene, stretching exercises may be beneficial but adherence over long term an issue.
TMJ disease
- Conditions is an umbrella term - muscular disorders, bone changes, ankylosis, degeneration, functional limitations.
- Rheumatic diseases frequently experience TMJ symptoms
- More than half of patients with JIA experience TMJ disease and in RA 19 to 85.7% experience TMJ symptoms
- Causes Limitation in opening, pain
Take home messages
- Dental complications are very common in rheumatology.
- Affects quality of life and ability to maintain oral hygiene.
- Dentist has an important role in recognising disease and treating complications.
- Encourage good oral hygiene and reduce risk of infections.
- Its Important to signposting in early disease, and be aware of sight loss as an important complication in GCA
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