Diagnostic and Treatment Approach in the Management of Dental Anomalies Associated with Stevens–Johnson Syndrome: A Case Report

BACKGROUND: Stevens–Johnson syndrome is a rare medical condition with severe mucocutaneous lesions due to adverse drug reactions characterized by exudative multiform erythema, stomatitis, and conjunctivitis. Long-term oral consequences of such cases include xerostomia, caries, impactions, and multiple dental developmental aberrations as short root anomalies. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To highlight the role of pedodontist in early diagnosis and treatment planning of dental abnormalities due to Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) using a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). CASE DESCRIPTION: A 16-year-old male reported a chief complaint of decayed posterior teeth. Past medical history revealed adverse reactions to an unknown drug at the age of 4 to 5 years. In addition to carious teeth, clinical examination revealed that all canines were missing along with mandibular incisors. On CBCT examination, abnormal short, plump roots with normal crown were seen in all permanent first molars and incisors along with impacted canines and mandibular incisors. This condition was diagnosed as a “Short root anomaly” (SRA) due to SJS. He was found positive to allergy tests for NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and paracetamol. CONCLUSION: NSAIDs can cause a severe adverse reaction resulting in SJS. If this hypersensitivity reaction occurs early during the development of a permanent tooth it may cause dental anomalies such as short roots, root dysmorphia, agenesis, and multiple impacted teeth. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This report highlights a unique case of multiple dental aberrations due to SJS and the role of a pedodontist in the early diagnosis and treatment planning of such cases with the help of CBCT. Short root anomalies can be misdiagnosed as root resorption or immature apex. Medical history, clinical and CBCT findings are essential for diagnosis and treatment in SJS patients. Careful orthodontic treatment planning is required in cases of short root anomalies. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Katyal S, Yadav V. Diagnostic and Treatment Approach in the Management of Dental Anomalies Associated with Stevens–Johnson Syndrome: A Case Report. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(4):569–574.