Endodontic treatment of a Patient with Huntington's disease

Huntington's disease is a lethal autosomal dominant disorder that affects men and women equally. The prevalence of Huntington's disease in North America is 5 to 10 per 100000 people. It is characterized by regular personality changes, dementia, and choreiform (dance-like) movements. Literature concerning dental treatment of patients who have been diagnosed with this type of disease is scarce. Continuous ingestion of medications to control the symptoms of this disease leads to xerostomia, which, maximized by unrestrained movements, often leads to progressive tooth decay, irreversible pulpitis, and tooth loss. Maintenance of teeth in patients with this type of disease is desirable and challenging. Like any patient, a comprehensive treatment plan needs to be developed with equal emphasis on restoration and home care. This case report illustrates how a morphologically difficult endodontic procedure can be successfully administered in a patient diagnosed with HD. Overall case success was attributed to a dental team approach and short-duration appointments to limit patient stress.