EVALUATION OF RISK FACTORS IN PATIENTS WITH FACIAL PARALYSIS IN DENTAL PRACTICE

Abstract

Facial palsy and paralysis causes facial asymmetry, with negative effects on the functions of the stomatognathic system and on the quality of life of the affected patients. These patients have multiple risks in the dental office because of the extremely diverse etiological factors that can be found in facial paralysis. This paper addresses clinical aspects of central and peripheral facial paralysis, with examples of clinical cases and differential diagnosis of these disorders. The risks that the dentist should evaluate in the patient with facial paralysis and the way in which these can interfere with dental treatment are also considered.

Keywords

• facial paralysis
• facial palsy
• facial asymmetry
• risk factors
• dental practice