Periodontal manifestations of hyperoxaluria and oxalosis

Dental and periodontal findings associated with primary hyperoxaluria in a 29-year old male patient are described. This is a rare, inherited, metabolic disease which results in excessive calcium oxalate synthesis. The predominant and early manifestation of hyperoxaluria is nephrocalcinosis which results in chronic renal failure. Widespread extrarenal deposits of calcium oxalate crystals, however, is a consistent finding. Extensive infiltration of crystals was noted in the pulps of the teeth, in the marrow spaces of the alveolar bone, in the gingival corium, and in the periodontal ligament. Crystalline calcium oxalate deposits in the periodontal ligament provoked a granulomatous foreign-body reaction. This resulted in aggressive external root resorption leading to pulp exposure and tooth mobility.