SICKLE-CELL DISEASE - A DIAGNOSTIC DILEMMA

The case history is described of a patient with sickle cell anaemia wh o developed a unilateral infarct of the mandible following a sickle ce ll crisis. The interruption of the blood supply resulted in an anaesth esia of the inferior dental nerve and pulpal necrosis of otherwise sou nd premolar and molar teeth. The diagnostic and management difficultie s of the case are discussed, and recommendation are made for the treat ment of such patients in light of the problems encountered.