Dental implications of tardive dyskinesia: a concise review

Background: The extent of psychiatric disorders encountered in dentistry is less well documented although the possibility of a hidden psychiatric morbidity in dentistry exists. Unfortunately, the literature regarding the dental implications of movement disorders is still scarce. This concise review describes the dental implications of tardive dyskinesia (TD). Aims and objectives: The aims of this treatise are to give a short account of TD, discuss the orofacial manifestations of TD, and review the significance of TD to both the dentist and patient during dental procedures. Materials and methods: The potential cases of TD with dental manifestations were reviewed in the text and published articles. Results: From the various reports, the authors recognise that pain may be a presenting symptom of TD as a result of chronic trauma between the tongue and other oral structures and/or dentures, and the denture bearing tissues during the orofacial dyskinetic movements of TD. Pain is not usually a presenting complaint or symptom of TD and in many mild cases of TD. In some cases of TD, difficulty in wearing dentures can result from the persistent chewing movements of the mouth and jaw, and the repetitive flicking actions of the tongue. It is found difficult to get a good impression of the denture bearing tissues in patients with TD (when the orofacial region is involved) on the first attempt. TD not only makes the use of removable oral prosthesis difficult, it also makes communication and eating a chore. Simple dental procedures can prove to be difficult for the dental surgeon. The authors’ feel that routine procedure involved in restorative dentistry may prove to be a challenge to the clinician when orofacial TD is present. Conclusion: It was concluded that TD may have profound dental implications. Referral to the appropriate clinician for assessment and possibly control of this disorder is indicated.