Oral and Radiographic Manifestations in End-Stage Renal Disease

Kidneys are multifaceted organs which perform numerous essential functions including excretion of metabolic waste products, regulating acid-base balance, monitoring body concentrations of water and sodium and secretion of essential hormones. In addition they have a pivotal role in the endocrine control of calcium and phosphorous metabolism. These functions are carried out by nephrons, which are the functioning units of the kidney. Once destroyed, nephrons do not regenerate. Thus the progressive deterioration and destruction of these nephrons due to various etiologic factors lead to renal failure. End stage renal disease (ESRD) is the final common outcome of numerous kidney diseases, which ultimately cause death unless treated by dialysis or renal transplant. It is one of the complex medical conditions, which causes myriad of complications affecting virtually every organ system including orofacial structures. This book details the oral manifestations and radiographic changes in the jaw bones of patients with ESRD on maintenance hemodialysis.