Quantitative and functional neutrophil deficiencies.

Neutrophil is a cell involved in the maintenance of homeostasis of the organism. It plays an important role in the elimination and control of certain pathogenic microorganisms. Deficiency in function and quantity of neutrophils, either due to congenital or secondary etiological extrinsic factors, lead to recurrent infectious processes of variable severity. The most frequent oral complications in these patients are ulcers, periodontal disease and candidiasis. Due to their high susceptibility to infections and the risk implied in undergoing surgical procedures, actions leading to a higher degree of prophylaxis must be carried out on these patients (oral hygiene habits, fluoridation, dietary advise, etc.). The use of granulocyte colony-stimulating factors (G-CSF) allows, in some cases, the fullfillment of some, until recently considered controversial dental procedures. Its administration demands an adequate selection of patients and a close collaboration between physician and dental practitioner. Despite G-CSF effectiveness, dental treatment in severe neutropenic patients must be carried out in a hospital and, in some cases, regardless of adequate care, the progress of periodontal disease cannot be avoided.