Implants in an HIV-positive Patient: A Case Report

Implants in an HIV-positive Patient: A Case Report
May/June 2004
Monika Baron, DMD, MD/Franziska Gritsch, DMD, MD/Anna-Maria Hansy, DMD, MD/Robert Haas, DMD, MD
Quintessence Publishing
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes an immune incompetence that weakens the bodyÇƒÙs defense against pathogens. It has been supposed that HIV-positive patients are more likely to develop both early and late postoperative complications, such as septicemia and poor wound healing. This has not been corroborated by more recent studies but seems to depend on the patientÇƒÙs level of CD4 cells and his or her general condition. As the life expectancy of HIV-positive individuals increases and the condition becomes increasingly controllable, esthetic dental treatment becomes more significant and implant-supported prostheses may be considered as an alternative to removable dentures. Except for a single case report on the immediate placement of a single-tooth implant, no reports are available on implant dentistry in HIV-positive patients. This case report concerns implant placement in the maxilla and mandible of an HIV-positive individual and complete dental and implant rehabilitation. Two years after implant placement, the prosthesis is functioning well. INT J ORAL MAXILLOFACIAL IMPLANTS 2004; 19:425ÇƒÏ430