Palatal perforations: past and present. Two case reports and a literature review

Raises awareness of palatal perforations and the dental relevance of syphilis and cocaine abuse as rising problems for the profession.Explains the pathology and pharmacology behind the development of a syphilis or cocaine-induced perforation.Gives guidance for primary management including recognition, history, simple treatment and referral.Outlines secondary treatment options to seal or repair the defect with brief review of relevant case reports.