Marfan syndrome is a genetic disorder that affects connective tissue throughout the body and causes many clinical manifestations in patients. One common complication is advanced gum disease that increases the risk for mitral valve prolapse and damage to the aorta, bones, eyes, lungs, and covering of the spinal cord.
Clinicians at the University of Kentucky and the University of Aberdeen have developed a viable treatment option for a 56-year-old Marfan syndrome patient who had a long and complex oral treatment history including jawbone loss and misaligned teeth. As a result of advanced gum disease and bone loss, the patient was seeking a full-mouth dental replacement.
First, dentists performed a sinus lift with a bone graft to augment the upper jawbone, which had lost volume and density. Without it, there would not have been enough bone to support dental implants. After a healing period of nine months, clinicians extracted all remaining teeth and examined the quality of the bone graft, noting that the outcome was positive.
Nine SLActive screw-like implants were placed in the lower and upper jaw ridges where teeth are normally. After the implants osseointegrated, locator abutments were installed to allow the patient to easily insert a removable dental prosthesis that then was built, fitted, and provided to the patient.
The patient was seen for follow-up appointments for two years. The clinicians noted that he was pleased with the result and had no problems with the removable dental prosthesis.
The researchers also noted that dental professionals should become familiar with the oral manifestations of Marfan syndrome to help patients improve their quality of life through prevention and management. They concluded that their technique is an excellent option for patients with Marfan syndrome who need a dental prosthesis.
The article, “Full-Mouth Rehabilitation with Implant-Prosthesis in Marfan Syndrome Patient: Clinical Report and Literature Review,” was published by the Journal of Oral Implantology.
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