Oral Biology and Oral Pathology Commons^™

Oral And Maxillofacial Pathology Case Of The Month, John E. Kacher Dds

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This case concerns a 39-year-old female patient presenting with an asymptomatic radiolucency and spiking root resorption in the right posterior mandible (tooth #30). The patient delayed treatment for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and fear of surgery. Upon return, the lesion had greatly expanded in size (approximately 22-by-17 mm), with increased root resorption. Surgery involved extraction of the tooth and thorough curettage of the lesion. Microscopic examination showed cellular tumor composed of plump spindle cells and interspersed psammoma body calcifications. The final diagnosis was aggressive ossifying fibroma, psammomatoid variant. Treatment typically involves complete local excision and curettage …

J Mich Dent Assoc October 2025

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Each month, the Journal of the Michigan Dental Association delivers news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. It remains the main publication reaching Michigan dentists and is available worldwide through ADACommons. The October 2025 (Volume 107, No. 10) issue of the Journal is published in a digital-only format to provide updates and insights for Michigan's oral health community and MDA members. Print editions will resume in November. The October issue highlights the critical importance of advocacy through the MDA Dental Political Action Committee (PAC) and provides practical, management-focused information …

Water Fluoridation: The Evidence Behind The Risk Of Fluoride Use, Margherita Fontana D.D.S., Ph.D., Carlos González-Cabezas D.D.S., M.S.D., Ph.D., Livia Tenuta D.D.S., M.Sc., Ph.D.

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The debate surrounding fluoride use for caries control has intensified due to recent events, including a National Toxicology Program (NTP) report and a court ruling mandating EPA action on fluoride levels in tap water.

Despite concerns about fluoride's potential neurodevelopmental impact at high concentrations, current evidence shows no adverse effects at the recommended levels of 0.7 ppm in U.S. community water fluoridation programs. While studies in regions with endemic fluorosis suggest an association between high fluoride exposure and lower IQ, methodological limitations undermine causal conclusions.

Global and U.S. health authorities, including the WHO and ADA, reaffirm the safety and efficacy …

Proliferative Verrucous Leukoplakia Progressing To Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report, Magdalena Orlowska Dds, Felipe Nör Dds, Ms, Phd, Robert Eber Dds, Ms, Stephanie Munz Dds, David Tindle Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) is an uncommon type of oral leukoplakia characterized by white patches featuring verrucoid areas. It is a condition of idiopathic origin, displaying a strong tendency to transform into squamous cell carcinoma, verrucous carcinoma, or the newly described particulate carcinoma. PVL is more commonly found in elderly women who have had leukoplakic lesions for many years. Although PVL may be found virtually anywhere in the oral cavity, the buccal mucosa, gingiva, and tongue are the most common sites. In this case, we describe a lesion of this nature found in an elderly male patient. PVL is difficult …

A Clinical Reference Guide To The Treatment Of Common Oral Lesions, Janet Zalucha Dds, Felipe Nör Dds, Ms, Phd, David Tindle Dds, Ms

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This special MDA Journal pull-out is created as a quick reference for practitioners to assist their patients who present with some of the most common oral pathology manifestations. When encountering these conditions, please consider coordinating care and collaborating with practitioners who have had additional, specialized training in the respective fields. Treatment recommendations for each condition described are included. Note that many of these are considered off-label use of the listed agents. Full prescribing information is beyond the scope of this quick reference guide, so practitioners should thoroughly familiarize themselves with each agent chosen for use.

Oral Manifestations Of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, Angela Yepes Dds, Ms, Mba, Juan Yepes Dds, Md, Mph, Ms, Drph, James E. Jones Dmd, Msd, Edd, Phd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Leukemia is the most prevalent malignancy of leukocytes and can occur in children and adults. Oral manifestations are part of the complexity of signs and symptoms in patients with leukemia and, in some patients, oral manifestations precede systemic manifestations. Oral signs of leukemia include spontaneous bleeding, gingival enlargement, and whiteness of the oral mucosa. Head and neck lymphadenopathy is common in patients with leukemia. Oral manifestations are the result of the direct invasion of immature cells in the oral cavity tissues or indirectly caused by the replacement of the normal blood cells for immature cells causing anemia, leucopenia, and thrombocytopenia. …

Sfd Indications And Technique: When And How To Use Sdf To Manage Caries Lesions, Margherita Fontana Dds, Phd

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

The aim of this article is to review indications for 38% SDF and the appropriate technique for use. Evidence-based recommendations by the American Dental Association and umbrella reviews of systematic reviews are summarized to provide indications for SDF use in primary and permanent teeth, including sound surfaces and those with non-cavitated and cavitated caries lesions. High-quality evidence supports that SDF is an effective treatment alternative for managing active cavitated coronal and root caries lesions and preventing root caries lesions. Dentists can help by incorporating SDF as an option into their caries prevention and management armamentarium and by helping to train …

Traumatic Ulcerative Granuloma Mimicking Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Oral Lichen Planus, David I. Tindle Dds, Ms, Dabom

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Background: Oral lichen planus is an immune mediated mucosal disorder affecting up to 2% of the population. Dysplasia has been known to develop in 0.1% to 1% of patients with lichen planus. This necessitates close surveillance for the development of atypical lesions.

Case: Described is the case of a 68-year-old female patient with oral lichen planus who developed a non-healing ulceration on her right lateral tongue. Out of concern for neoplasia, a biopsy was performed. Histopathologic report indicated features consistent with traumatic ulcerative granuloma. The lesion did not return.

Conclusions: Oral lichen planus is a common mucosal disease. Although uncommon, …

J Mich Dent Assoc December 2022

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Monthly, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and feature articles to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• A cover story on Ensuring an Inclusive Environment for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Patients.
• A clinical feature: Traumatic Ulcerative Granuloma Mimicking Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Lichen Planus.
• Feature information on the University of Michigan’s BioArtography Project.
• A recap on MDA volunteer leadership activity at the 2022 ADA House of Delegates.
• News you need, Editorial and regular department …

10-Minute Ebd: Should Chipped Or Worn Dental Sealants Be Observed, Touched Up, Or Restored?, Elliot Abt Dds, Ms, Msc

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

This column discusses the management of chipped or worn dental sealants in a 22-year-old patient seeking a second opinion. The author explores the need for occlusal restorations, sealant repair, or no treatment for such cases. A literature search, guided by a PICO question, reveals strong evidence supporting sealant effectiveness in preventing caries. The Cochrane review found an 88% reduction in caries odds with sealants. Clinical guidelines and systematic reviews from organizations like the American Dental Association (ADA) further endorse sealant use. The column emphasizes the importance of universal sealant application and highlights challenges in their adoption, such as concerns over …

J Mich Dent Assoc November 2020

The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association

Every month, The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association brings news, information, and features about Michigan dentistry to our state's oral health community and the MDA's 6,200+ members. No publication reaches more Michigan dentists!

In this issue, the reader will find the following original content:

• Feature articles on how “Routine Blood Lead Testing During Pregnancy Empowers Future Dental Caries and Neurotoxicity Research”, how to “Recoup Your Dues and More with MDA-Endorsed Programs”, and your “2021 MDA Membership Benefits Guide”.
• News you need, Editorial and regular department articles on MDA Foundation activities, Dentistry and the Law, Staff Matters, 10-Minute EBD, Headquarters …