A case of mandibular third molar extraction in a patient with erythropoietic protoporphyria with photosensitivity

Erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) is a rare inherited disorder caused by genetic abnormalities affecting genes involved in heme synthesis.Patients with EPP may develop photosensitivity, gastrointestinal disorders, and neurologic complications triggered by light exposure, surgical stress, and the administration of certain drugs, and in some cases may be fatal.Herein we report a case of tooth extraction in a patient with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) , in which special attention was paid to perioperative management, particularly concerning light wavelength considerations.The patient was a 33-year-old man diagnosed with pericoronitis of the bilateral mandibular third molars.Extraction under intravenous sedation was planned.The patient was noted to have EPP, so the dermatology department of our hospital was consulted.In this case, drugs that have been reported to be safe were used and the tooth extraction was performed in an environment avoiding exposure to harmful light wavelengths.The procedure was performed without complications.It was considered essential to thoroughly evaluate measures for photosensitivity and carefully select the medications to be used, as well as to ensure adequate preparation prior to the treatment of a patient with EPP.