Editor's Note:
The Case Challenge series includes difficult-to-diagnose conditions, some of which are not frequently encountered by most clinicians but are nonetheless important to accurately recognize. Test your diagnostic and treatment skills using the following patient scenario and corresponding questions. If you have a case you would like to suggest for a future Case Challenge, please contact us.
Background
A 52-year-old man who was totally edentate was referred to dentistry to fabricate complete maxillary and mandibular dentures. His main complaint was severe soreness and intolerance to mild pressure on the mandibular residual ridge and mandibular deviation on the affected side. A large opening was located at the left retromolar area, undermined by soft tissues. The patient complained of profuse purulent discharge, mostly during morning.
The most relevant past medical history was a fracture of the mandible body at the junction with ramus, which was unsuccessfully treated 4 years ago. He mentioned the use of several antibiotics without positive result. The patient's medical history was notable for hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and alcoholism.
In addition, he was treated by a psychologist for depression caused by continuous pain and inability to eat. The patient claimed that he had never been hospitalized or experienced any other significant chronic disease beyond those mentioned above. He suffered weight loss of 15 kg during the past year and had a history of nocturnal fever and sweats.
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Cite this: Laith Mahmoud Abdulhadi. A 52-Year-Old Man With a Large Jaw Opening - Medscape - Jul 13, 2016.
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