Abstract

Progressive systemic sclerosis is a chronic sclerotic disease which causes diffuse, increased deposition of extra cellular matrix in connective tissue with vascular abnormalities, resulting in tissue hypoxia. Aesthetic and facial dysfunctions are followed by important oral and facial manifestations. Most oral manifestations begin with tongue rigidity and facial skin changes. Bone resorption of mandibular angle and widening of periodontal ligament space on periapical radiographs are important radiological findings. Other systemic changes include the involvement of internal organs which leads to serious complications as well as disorders in the cardiac muscle and Raynaud´s phenomenon. The objective of this paper is to report a case of systemic sclerosis in patients with oral and facial manifestations of the disease. A brief review of the literature, focusing on dental alterations is also presented.

Key words: Scleroderma, acro-osteolysis, Raynaud’s phenomenon.