Contemporary management and complex dental treatments of a patient with Sjögren’s disease: A 10-year follow-up

Abstract

Sjögren’s Disease (SD) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltration of the exocrine glands, primarily affecting the lacrimal and salivary glands. The etiology and pathophysiology of the disease remain unclear. Fatigue and weakness are among the most common systemic symptoms, alongside ocular and oral dryness. Reduced salivary flow leads to dry mouth and lips, erythema of the oral mucosa and tongue, burning sensations in the tongue, atrophy of the filiform papillae, fissured tongue, and loss of taste. Patients with SD often experience a higher prevalence of dental caries and early tooth loss, which significantly impairs their oral health-related quality of life. This case report presents the comprehensive dental management of a 32-year-old female patient with a history of chronic SD over a 10-year follow-up period. The patient was referred to our clinic with multiple dental complaints. Clinical and radiographic examinations revealed extensive carious lesions, periapical pathoses, periodontal problems, pronounced tooth sensitivity, and hyposalivation. For treatment, a combination of surgical (e.g., apical resection) and nonsurgical procedures, including coronal restorations, endodontic therapies, and prosthodontic rehabilitations, was performed. During the 10-year follow-up, the treated teeth remained asymptomatic, and radiographic evaluations showed complete healing of the lesions, with no need for additional surgical intervention.