Oral rehabilitation of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus using implant-supported fixed dentures: A case report with review of important considerations

Abstract

Introduction. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease with a variety of oral manifestations (dry mouth, reduced salivary flow, painful mucosal lesions and restricted mouth opening, impaired oral hygiene maintenance), as well as possible far-reaching systemic implications. In the context of SLE, oral rehabilitation with dental implants might be the most appropriate solution. However, a lack of available literature, as well as the absence of treatment protocols, often leads to unsatisfactory management of these patients. The aim of this paper was to describe oral rehabilitation of a patient with SLE using dental implants and fixed dentures in both jaws. Case outline. A 66-year-old female patient, who had suffered from SLE for over 30 years, was referred for oral rehabilitation as her chief complaints related to the existing mobile partial dentures in the jaws and poor chewing ability. Proposed oral rehabilitation with fixed dentures supported by six dental implants in the maxilla and four dental implants in the mandible, as well as prosthetic restoration of the mandibular teeth, was accepted by the patient. During the follow-up period of three years, no biological complications were observed related to the performed treatment. Conclusion. Dental implants might be the most suitable treatment modality for oral rehabilitation of patients suffering from SLE.

Keywords

• dental implants
• oral rehabilitation
• systemic lupus erythematosus