[Oral status as a potential source of infection in AMD patients--introduction].

PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to assess oral status as a potential source of infection in AMD patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was done in 56 patients at the age 45 to 90 years, suffering from AMD. The dry form of AMD was diagnosed in 37 and the exudative (wet) form in 19 patients. Three age groups were formed: group I - 45-65 years, group II - 66-75 years, and group III - 76-90 years. There were 13 patients at the age 45-65 years, 23 patients at the age 66-75 years, and 20 patients at the age 76-90 years. The dental examination included anamnesis, as well as determination of the status of teeth, periodontium, and oral mucosa. Radiographs were read also. RESULTS: A total of 235 lesions in the oral cavity were disclosed in 56 patients. In group I (49 lesions), grade I lesions dominated (18), chiefly teeth with incomplete root canal fillings, untreated teeth with necrotic pulp, and teeth with root amputation. Most of the lesions (61) in group II (90 lesions) were found in the periodontium, including 44 teeth with pathologic pockets. In group III (96 lesions), the majority of the lesions (48) were disclosed in the periodontium (30 teeth with pockets and loss of epithelial attachment, 18 loose teeth). CONCLUSIONS: Most of the patients with AMD had inflammatory lesions in the oral cavity. The overwhelming majority of the lesions were located in the periodontium. Periapical lesions were the next most frequent form. It is currently believed that periodontal lesions are the most dangerous ones. Is there an association between oral status in AMD patients and susceptibility to the disease? More observations are needed to find the answer.