Digital scanning for implant-supported fixed complete-arch dental prostheses for patients with epidermolysis bullosa: a case series evaluation

Abstract

Statement of problem: The treatment of patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa has been compromised in the past by the lack of oral therapeutic information and the use of conventional complete dentures.

Purpose: The purpose of this clinical case series study was to describe a digital rehabilitation protocol involving computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) techniques for the treatment of patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and to follow up for 4 years the patients who underwent this treatment.

Material and methods: A case series analyzing implant survival, peri-implant tissue health, and patient satisfaction with the treatment received was made of 4 patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa. Bimaxillary fixed implant-supported complete-arch rehabilitation was carried out by using a digital protocol with CAD-CAM techniques.

Results: The implant survival rate was 100%, with a bleeding rate of 74.2% and an inflammation rate of 58.0%. Gingival stability was achieved in 77.4% of the patients, with gingival displacement in 22.6% of the implants. However, the probing depth was maintained between 1 and 3 mm in 96.7% of the implants placed.

Conclusions: Fixed complete-arch implant-supported rehabilitation is a successful treatment for patients with epidermolysis. Digital intraoral scanning facilitates the treatment of patients with this condition and reduces the clinical complications associated with conventional impression techniques (ulceration, blistering, angular cheilitis, and so forth).