Six-Year Survival of a Mini Dental Implant-Retained Overdenture in a Child with Ectodermal Dysplasia.

Patients with ectodermal dysplasia (ED) experience several problems caused by abnormal development and functioning of the head and neck region. In addition to developmental nasal cartilage abnormalities and absence of sweat glands, hair, and eyebrows, edentulism or developmental disorders of teeth (cone-shaped teeth) are commonly observed in these types of patients. ED is also characterized by underdeveloped alveolar ridges, a decreased occlusal vertical dimension, reduced salivary secretion, and dry oral mucosa, which make prosthetic rehabilitation difficult. Few studies of intraosseous dental implant-retained prostheses have described adverse effects on craniofacial growth and esthetic and functional disadvantages, while some researchers have described the advantages of this treatment option as an alternative option in these cases. Due to the associated alveolar bone deficiency, dental mini-implant therapy may be a treatment option for these patients; however, there are isolated cases in the literature regarding the rehabilitation of ED patients with mini-implant-supported overdentures. This clinical report describes the rehabilitation of a 6-year-old child with ED using a maxillary removable partial prosthesis and a mini-implant-retained mandibular overdenture. The clinical and radiographic findings of this prosthetic rehabilitation during the 6-year follow-up are also presented.

Is a Fixed Hybrid Prosthesis with Distal Cantilever Appropriate for Maxillofacial Defects? A Report of Two Patients.

The most important objectives in restoring the maxillofacial patient are the restoration of function and psychological improvement through esthetics. Acquired maxillary and mandibular defects due to significant trauma or surgery represent a major challenge for the clinician and patient. Dental implant-retained prostheses represent a well-documented and reliable treatment option and can also help patients with maxillofacial defects by eliminating denture instability and improving function. Full-arch fixed dental hybrid prostheses provide functional and psychological advantages and also reduce the load on vulnerable soft and hard tissues in the reconstruction area. Two clinical reports are presented describing the prosthetic rehabilitation using dental implant-supported fixed hybrid prostheses with clinical and radiographic follow-up of 3 years.