Shingles: A Case Report

Authors

Michele White DDS, UTHealth Houston School of DentistryFollow
Ryan Vahdani DDS, MHA, UTHealth Houston School of DentistryFollow
Gary Frey DDS, UTHealth Houston School of DentistryFollow
Ben Warner MS, DDS, MD, UTHealth Houston School of DentistryFollow

Abstract

This case report details a 58-year-old male who presented at a dental urgent care clinic with oral pain and a facial rash. The report identifies the condition as shingles (herpes zoster), caused by the reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. It explores the clinical presentation, differential diagnosis—distinguishing it from Ramsay Hunt Syndrome and Bell’s palsy—and emphasizes the importance of early antiviral treatment. Furthermore, the source highlights the role of dental practitioners in identifying infectious diseases and promoting vaccination. It serves as an educational tool for medical and dental clinicians to enhance collaborative care and expedite treatment through better recognition of shingles symptoms in the head and neck region.

Recommended Citation

White, Michele DDS; Vahdani, Ryan DDS, MHA; Frey, Gary DDS; and Warner, Ben MS, DDS, MD (2026) "Shingles: A Case Report," The Journal of the Michigan Dental Association: Vol. 108: No. 2, Article 5.
Available at: https://commons.ada.org/journalmichigandentalassociation/vol108/iss2/5