Oral aspects of osteopetrosis.

The characteristic feature of osteopetrosis is a lack of osteoclastic activity, leading to a series of somatic problems for afflicted persons. The life span of osteopetrotic patients has increased in recent years, thereby making oral aspects of the disease more evident. Four children with malignant osteopetrosis, born between 1967 and 1975, were examined. In all patients the anterior teeth were of normal shape, and erupted on schedule. Primary molars and all permanent teeth were greatly distorted, and remained totally or partly embedded in basal bone. Vertical growth of alveolar ridge was very limited. Where a fenestration of overlaying mucosa had occurred, a localized progressive osteitis developed, leading to soft tissue inflammation and, in two cases, extraoral mandibular fistulas. Peridontal attachment was very poor, spontaneous exfoliation had occurred in all patients. In two children tooth germs and necrotic bone were surgically removed. No beneficial effect of the treatment was observed. Large doses of antibiotics were needed to control recurring infections. No means of curing progressive osseous destruction of mandibular bone has been found. The general prognosis is poor.