Restoration with implants in patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa and patient satisfaction with the implant-supported superstructure.

PURPOSE: The use of endosseous implants in the prosthetic restoration of edentulous patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB) may provide improved outcomes when compared with traditional prosthetic methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of placing endosseous implants in patients with RDEB and to compare the treatment outcomes of fixed and removable implant-supported restorations in the edentulous maxilla or mandible with the main emphasis on patient response.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients with RDEB were treated with implants. All patients were completely edentulous in either the maxilla or mandible and had marked oral involvement, with alterations in the soft and hard tissues in all cases. Three patients were treated with fixed, screw-retained implant-supported prostheses, and 3 were treated with removable implant-supported prostheses. Six months after prosthetic restoration, patients were given a questionnaire to assess their psychologic well-being and satisfaction with the implant-supported restoration marked on a visual analog scale.

RESULTS: A total of 38 dental implants (21 maxillary, 17 mandibular) were placed in 6 patients. The implant success rate was 97.9%. The average follow-up from implant placement was 5.5 years (range, 1 to 9). The fixed and removable implant-supported prostheses were associated with improvements in comfort and retention, function, esthetics and appearance, taste, speech, and self-esteem. The level of satisfaction was slightly higher in patients with a fixed prosthesis.

CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that endosseous implants can be successfully placed and provide support for prostheses in patients with RDEB. Patients with fixed prostheses and overdentures were satisfied with their implant-supported prostheses in the edentulous maxilla and mandible.