Dental Implant Treatment With Guided Bone Regeneration in a Patient With Active Crohn’s Disease Under Long-Term Immunosuppressive and Anti-inflammatory Therapy

TL;DR

A patient with active Crohn’s disease successfully underwent dental implant treatment using guided bone regeneration despite being on immunosuppressive therapy.

Contribution

Demonstrates the feasibility of implant therapy in immunocompromised patients with autoimmune conditions.

Findings

Dental implant treatment was successful in a patient with active Crohn’s disease on immunosuppressive therapy.

No complications were reported, and the patient maintained excellent oral hygiene throughout the treatment.

Success relied on precise planning, minimally invasive techniques, and postoperative care.

Abstract

This report presents a case of dental implant treatment with guided bone regeneration in a 46-year-old patient with active Crohn’s disease, who was undergoing long-term immunosuppressive therapy (azathioprine) and anti-inflammatory treatment (mesalazine). A titanium implant was placed six weeks after the extraction of tooth 22. Alveolar augmentation was performed using synthetic xenograft material in combination with a collagen membrane. Seven months later, a provisional restoration was delivered, followed by the placement of a definitive screw-retained crown 120 days afterward. No complications were reported throughout the treatment, and the patient consistently maintained excellent oral hygiene. This case underscores the feasibility of implant therapy in immunocompromised patients, despite longstanding concerns regarding the potential negative impact of immunosuppressive agents on bone metabolism and healing. Treatment success relied on a thorough medical history review, precise planning, minimally invasive surgical techniques, and the use of specific postoperative medications. Regular follow-up visits and diligent oral hygiene were also key to the favorable outcome. While this individual case was successful, further clinical studies are needed to establish comprehensive guidelines for implant treatment in patients with autoimmune conditions or organ transplants who are receiving immunosuppressive and systemic anti-inflammatory therapy.

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