An unusual complication of tooth exfoliation and osteonecrosis following herpes zoster infection of trigeminal nerve: a case report and literature review.

Osteonecrosis following herpes zoster infection is a rare but severe complication, and clinicians' awareness is important for early detection and management of this condition. A case of herpes zoster of the left maxillary division of the trigeminal nerve is reported in a young female having no concurrent predisposing factors, with accompanying rare complications of alveolar bone necrosis and rapid tooth exfoliation. Acyclovir was used to manage the case effectively. The previously reported similar cases in the literature have been reviewed and the pathophysiology of tooth exfoliation and osteonecrosis by varicella zoster viruses is discussed.