Sickle cell anemia: a review of the dental concerns and a retrospective study of dental and bony changes.

This paper is a review of the medical concerns pertinent to dental care and a preliminary study of dental findings of the sickle cell anemia (SS) patient. The dental characteristics observed in 21 dental patients with SS are described. Radiographic findings included "stepladder" trabeculae pattern (70%), enamel hypomineralization (24%), calcified canals (5%), increased overbite (30-80%), and increased overjet (56%). Comparisons are made with other studies of the sickle cell patient, and the need for further study is suggested.