Dental management of patients with sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia is endemic in certain parts of the world. With the increase in immigration into Canada from some of these areas, new demands are being placed on the country's health care system. However, improved methods of managing sickle cell anemia have resulted in a longer lifespan and better quality of life for patients afflicted with the disease. In most cases, these individuals can now remain out in the community for most of their lives, and are therefore likely to seek treatment from a neighborhood dentist. Consequently, dentists need to have an appreciation of sickle cell anemia and its implications for dental health. This article outlines the physiology, medical aspects, and dental manifestations of sickle cell anemia, and gives guidelines for its dental management.