Maintenance of fixed reconstructions in periodontally compromised patients

Webinar Coordinator: Prof. Norina Forna

Abstract:
In patients suffering from severe periodontal disease only a few teeth may survive and be used as abutments for prosthetic reconstructions. In order to restore periodontal health and function, a comprehensive treatment plan encompassing non-surgical and surgical periodontal therapy as well as prosthetic rehabilitation is needed. The findings of a recent systematic review indicated that despite advanced loss of periodontal tissue support, teeth could be used as abutments for cross-arch fixed reconstructions. If indicated, hemisections or root amputations of furcation-involved molars used as abutments were performed in order to eliminate plaque-retentive areas and facilitate self-performed plaque control. It should be emphasized that oral rehabilitation of such patients with severe periodontal disease was carried out in phases including non-surgical and surgical therapy followed by regular long-term maintenance care.
On the other hand, long-term clinical outcomes indicated that in periodontally compromised patients the survival and success rates of dental implants and their reconstructions were not superior compared with those of natural abutment teeth and their reconstructions in patients treated for periodontal disease.
With the documentation of several clinical cases, the present webinar will summarize current scientific evidence on the indications, risks and long-term prognosis of fixed reconstructions in periodontally compromised patients.