Osseointegration of Dental Implants in Organ Transplant Patients Undergoing Chronic Immunosuppressive Therapy.

INTRODUCTION: The depressive impact of immunosuppressive medications used by patients after organ transplantations is commonly known and well proven. The aim of research is the assessment of functional and esthetic results of implantoprosthetic treatment in patients subject to immunosuppressive treatment after organ transplants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study encompassed a group of 21 patients in the course of maintenance immunosuppression after transplantation procedures, in whom altogether 24 implants were inserted. The control group comprised 15 people with 15 implants in place. The research protocol assumed replacing a single missing tooth with a titanium implant. After 4 months, a prosthetic reconstruction in the form of a single crown was performed. After 24 months, the preliminary assessment of treatment results was attempted. The measured parameter was crestal bone level (CBL). The mechanical assessment was performed by measuring the torque indispensable to locate the implant and by an objective measurement of implant stability. RESULTS: The basic measured parameter of CBL median in the experimental group and in the control group amounted to 0.325 mm (min 0-max 0.95) and 0.5 mm (min 0.15-max 1.8), respectively. The comparison of CBL medians revealed lack of significant differences between the experimental group and the control group (P = 0.089). CONCLUSION: Patients with organ transplants can safely and effectively undergo dental implant treatment.

The Use of Dental Implants in Organ Transplant Patients Undergoing Immunosuppressive Therapy: An Overview of Publications.

INTRODUCTION: Immunosuppressive treatment has been commonly considered a contraindication to the use of dental implants. This article is aimed at analyzing the publications related to that issue and answering the question of whether such treatment is viable in patients with organ transplants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following databases have been searched to find related publications: Clinical Key, Web of Science, Up to date, PubMed, and Medline. Full research paper texts published over the past 15 years have been taken into consideration. The selected publications were divided depending on the type of study material, that is, whether they focused on animal tests or human tests. RESULTS: The studies performed on animals showed negative impact of immunosuppression on the bones surrounding the implants. Publications presenting clinical cases of organ transplant patients indicated no significant disorders in the process of implant osseointegration despite the use of immunosuppressive drugs. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the negative impact of immunosuppressive drugs on the process of bone healing, it is possible to treat organ transplant patients with intraosseous titanium implants. The key to success is the observance of appropriate treatment procedures and proper hygienic routines. An alteration of medication regimen that currently makes use of immunosuppressive drugs of much lower toxicity is also extremely significant.