Rehabilitation of a Retired Dentist with Compromised Periodontal Condition Using Corticobasal Implant Therapy: A Case Report

INTRODUCTION

Periodontal disease remains one of the leading causes of tooth loss in elderly patients. In individuals with severely compromised dentition, conventional prosthodontic approaches often provide limited success due to poor bone support. Corticobasal implants offer a unique solution by engaging the basal cortical bone, enabling immediate functional loading even in compromised cases. This report documents the rehabilitation of a retired dentist who, despite her professional background, had neglected modern restorative dentistry and presented with a severely deteriorated oral condition.

CASE PRESENTATION

A female dentist, nearing retirement age, presented to our clinic with her daughter, an undergraduate dental student, who expressed concern over her mother’s deteriorated oral condition. Clinical examination revealed:

• Only a few remaining teeth, severely compromised by advanced periodontal disease
• Loss of functional occlusion
• Very poor oral hygiene status

The patient reported that her medico husband never had faith in dentistry, which contributed to her negligence toward her own oral health. Consequently, she had not explored contemporary restorative options for many years. However, encouraged by her daughter’s awareness of modern restorative dentistry, she expressed willingness to undergo treatment.

INVESTIGATIONS

A preoperative orthopantomogram (OPG) revealed:

• Advanced alveolar bone loss
• Generalized periodontal compromise
• Insufficient support for conventional implant therapy

TREATMENT PLAN

Considering the severity of periodontal destruction and the patient’s desire for immediate rehabilitation, a treatment plan was made to restore function using immediate corticobasal implant therapy. This modality was chosen due to:

• Its ability to engage the basal bone
• Independence from compromised crestal bone
• Predictable immediate loading capability

The patient accepted the treatment plan with confidence, supported by her daughter’s trust in the efficacy of monoimplants.

OUTCOME

The proposed corticobasal implant therapy aimed to restore the patient’s jaw function and confidence. By choosing a modern implantology approach, the patient reconnected with contemporary restorative dentistry and overcame long-standing functional disability.

DISCUSSION

This case demonstrates how even dental professionals may fail to benefit from evolving technologies due to traditional beliefs or personal circumstances. Corticobasal implantology provides a viable option for elderly patients with compromised periodontal support, offering immediate rehabilitation without the need for extensive bone grafting.

Furthermore, this case highlights the importance of patient motivation, particularly from family members, in initiating treatment. The daughter’s awareness of modern dentistry played a pivotal role in restoring the oral health and quality of life of her mother.

CONCLUSION

Corticobasal implants represent a reliable and effective treatment option in cases of advanced periodontal compromise. They allow for immediate loading, improved function, and psychological rehabilitation. This case also underscores the necessity of continuous professional awareness about evolving treatment modalities in dentistry.