Alveolar bone necrosis and spontaneous tooth exfoliation in an HIV-seropositive subject with herpes zoster.

Herpes zoster in the distribution of the maxillary and mandibular divisions of the trigeminal nerve is characterized by painful vesicular eruptions of the skin and oral mucosa in the distribution of the affected nerves. Oral complications may occur, including post-herpetic neuralgia, devitalization of teeth, abnormal development of permanent teeth, root resorption and periapical lesions. In cases where necrosis of the alveolar bony process occur it may be preceded or accompanied by spontaneous exfoliation of teeth. This usually follows the resolution of the acute phase of HZ and is more prevalent in HIV-seropositive than in HIV-seronegative subjects. A case of HZ of the trigeminal nerve in an HIV-seropositive subject, with complications of necrosis of alveolar bony process, external root resorption and tooth exfoliation is presented and the literature of HIV-associated HZ is reviewed.