Perspective Chapter: Parathyroid Glands in Dentistry

Abstract

Parathyroid glands are found adjacent to the thyroid, produce parathyroid hormone, and regulate with their function serum calcium levels. Parathyroid conditions are encountered in dentistry as in other health sciences. In dentistry, however, since they are not so frequently observed or encountered they are often not diagnosed, or not identified. Many patients, though they have a known history of parathyroid gland disorders or conditions, often neglect to mention it to the dentist, or in many cases the dentist omits it in the medical history section, and since in most cases they are often unaware of the dental findings, the conditions and malfunction of the glands may clinically present at patients. The dentists and medical practitioners should note in those patients, in cases of hyperparathyroidism possible brown tumors of the jaws, and in cases of hypothyroidism short stature, developmental disturbances, teeth development disturbances, etc. In this chapter, the major findings of the disorders of parathyroid glands are noted and reported as well as thoroughly described with clinical and dental radiographic findings of the conditions.