Full-arch fixed prosthesis supported by four implants in patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa

Objective. The aim of this study was to describe the rehabilitation of patients diagnosed with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), with edentulous maxillas and/or mandibles, by using fixed full-arch short-expand prostheses supported by 4 anterior implants. Study design. A retrospective study was carried out to study edentulous patients with RDEB rehabilitated with fixed full-arch prostheses supported by 4 anterior implants. Results. In total, 32 anterior implants were placed and used to support 8 full-arch fixed prostheses; 20 implants were placed in the maxilla by using osteotomes and 12 in the mandible by using conventional drilling. Implant success rate was 100% after an average follow-up of 22.9 (range 12-48) months after prosthetic loading. Patient satisfaction with the implant therapy was very high (mean 9.0) for all the factors assessed. Conclusions. Fixed full-arch short-expand prostheses supported by 4 anterior implants can be successfully used to rehabilitate patients with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, considerably improving these patients' quality of life. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2011; 112: e4-e10)