Sickle cell anemia: An etiological factor in pulpal necrosis

Pulpal necrosis may occur in patients with sickle cell anemia as a result of some compromise in pulpal microcirculation. Twenty-two patients were examined, and three exhibited evidence of radiolucent areas associated with the apices of teeth. One of these patients had areas at the apices of five noncarious, nontraumatized teeth. These were treated endodontally without anesthesia, confirming the diagnosis of pulpal necrosis. Healing was evident after a 4-yr follow-up.