Potential risk of serious oral infections in the diabetic patient: a clinical report

Diabetes has many manifestations, including increased vulnerability to bacterial and fungal infections, that may be of concern to the dental profession. Oral candidosis and other opportunistic fungal infections may be early, nonspecific signs of uncontrolled diabetes. Rhinocerebral involvement often extends to the paranasal sinuses, pharynx, palate, orbit, and brain, causing severe tissue destruction and necrosis. This clinical report describes a young woman with diabetes who developed mucormycosis of the maxilla. Tissue destruction resulted in loss of the entire premaxilla, the anterior half of the hard palate, and all maxillary teeth except for the right and left second molars. An interim clear acrylic resin prosthesis was fabricated to restore facial contours and speech and to allow mastication. This prosthesis subsequently was duplicated, and teeth were added for improved lip support, esthetics, and mastication.