A recent report has documented a positive case study of a potential treatment option for one of the complications Marfan syndrome can cause.

This report was published in the Journal of Oral Implantology. 

What is Marfan Syndrome?

Marfan syndrome is a rare genetic condition which impacts the body’s connective tissue. It can manifest in different ways across patients, but one potential complication is gum disease. This gum disease can become so advanced that it can increase the risk of mitral valve prolapse. Damage to the bones, aorta, lungs, and spinal cord can also result.

The treatment outlined in this study is a dental implant which can support those who have face misaligned teeth or loss of their jawbone. The treatment was successfully achieved for a middle-aged male patient.

The Patient

This publication was written by doctors at the University of Aberdeen and the University of Kentucky. They document how they treated a patient who was 56 years old. He ultimately needed dental replacements for his entire mouth due to advanced gum disease which caused progressive bone loss.

The Process

The first thing that needed to be done for this patient was a sinus lift as well as a bone graft for the upper jaw. This helped to replenish the density of the jawbone and its volume, which had decreased significantly due to the gum disease. Additionally, a solid jaw structure was necessary to support the dental implants.

Nothing more was done for the next 9 months so that the patient could heal.

Following this period, all of the patient’s remaining teeth were extracted. The bone graft was also examined, and found to be doing well.

Next, the patient received 9 SLActive implants in both the upper and the lower jaw. Then, locator abutments were inserted which meant the patient could easily insert and remove his own prosthesis. Finally, the actual prosthesis was made, fitted, and handed over to the patient.

For two years following the final prosthesis, the patient came in for follow-up visits. The patient had no issues with the implants and was himself happy with the final product.

Ultimately, these researchers have asserted that due to the impressive results from this case, the technique they used with this patient has potential for other patients. They also discuss how important it is for dentists to be aware of Marfan syndrome and understand its oral manifestations. Through preventative care as well as treatment, patient’s overall quality of daily life certainly has the potential to be improved.

You can read more about this treatment here.