Crohn's disease and trabecular metal implants: A report of two cases and literature review

Aim: The aim of the present study was to report two cases with Crohn's disease in whom dental implants successfully osseointegrated and remained functionally stable up to 13 and 12 months of follow-up, respectively. Cases presentation: In cases 1 (age 35 years) and 2 (age 36 years), tooth 24 and 14, respectively, were atraumatically extracted and a particulated bone grafting material (buccal and palatal aspect of the defect) and a Trabecular Metal implant (11.5 mm length, 4.7 mm diameter) were inserted in each extraction socket. After implant placement and abutment connection with the final torque (25 Ncm), the provisional restoration was adapted in the oral cavity creating the emergence profile. The provisional crown was screw-retained and had slight occlusal contacts in the centric occlusion (intercuspation position). A periapical radiograph was taken as a control radiograph at the baseline. Postoperatively, antibiotics were prescribed as well as analgesics and an oral rinse was recommended. In both cases, the provisional restoration was removed after 2 weeks and replaced with a full ceramic restoration. Case-1 and case-2 were followed up after 13 months and 12 months respectively. In both cases postoperative healing was uneventful and radiographs taken at follow-up showed no evidence of crestal bone loss. Implants in both cases demonstrated an excellent clinical condition at follow-up. Conclusion: Trabecular Metal implants can osseointegrate and remain functionally stable in patients with Crohn's disease.