Necrotizing periodontal disease in a patient with COVID-19 history: A case report

ABSTRACT

Background: Necrotizing periodontal diseases (NPD) are fuso-spirochetal infections causing ulceration and destruction of periodontal tissues and associate with impaired host response. Elevated bacterial levels of Prevotella intermedia, Veillonella and Streptococci present in NPD lesions were detected in patients infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Description of the procedure A 40-year-old female, non-smoker patient was referred to the clinic with complaints of fever, halitosis, bad taste, severe gingival pain and bleeding. The patient reported a history of COVID-19 a month prior to any symptoms. Extra and intraoral examinations revealed submandibular lymphadenopathy, plaque accumulation, necrotic areas covered with pseudo-membranes, spontaneous gingival bleeding and suppuration. Alveolar bone loss was detected in the radiographic examination. Since periodontal pocket formation was present, the clinical diagnosis of the case was necrotizing gingivitis as a result of previously occurred periodontitis. During the first visit, necrotic areas were gently swabbed with 3% H2O2 moistened cotton pellets and oral hygiene instructions were given. Systemic antibiotic (metronidazole 500 mg 2 × 1) was prescribed for 5 days and rinsing with 0.12% chlorhexidine and 3% H2O2 was recommended. Three days later, since the acute complaints were reduced, clinical periodontal parameters were recorded and nonsurgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) was performed in 4 sessions in 2 weeks. One month after NSPT, all clinical periodontal parameters were recorded again. Outcomes: Following NSPT with the combination of systemic antibiotic regimen, all symptoms were resolved leading to the dissolution of necrotic areas. All clinical parameters were improved after NSPT. Conclusions: This case may be an evidence that COVID-19 could be a contributing factor for the appearance of NPD. Since COVID-19 leads to an altered immune response of the patient, a suitable environment becomes present orally for bacteria causing infections that result in NPD. The importance of routine intra-oral examination for COVID-19 patients is highlighted.