Immediate loading with fixed implant-supported restorations in an edentulous patient with an HIV infection: A case report

BACKGROUND: Oral rehabilitation of edentulous patients with implants that are immediately loaded is a viable treatment alternative today; however, the immediate loading protocol has not been extensively documented in HIV-seropositive patients. METHODS: This clinical case report presents a surgical and prosthetic implant-supported immediate loading protocol in an edentulous HIV-seropositive patient (CD4 >200 and T4/T8: 0.99). Eight implants were placed in each jaw, and no ridge augmentation procedures were required. All the implants were connected with abutments, and a temporary fixed restoration was placed immediately after surgery. The final fixed reconstruction was cemented after 10 weeks of loading. RESULTS: All implants showed no clinical signs of mobility or infection. Periotest values were evaluated during healing and showed a progressive reduction. Radiological findings showed stable bone levels after an observation period of 4 years. CONCLUSIONS: This case report presents an alternative treatment for the oral rehabilitation of an HIV-positive (but disease asymptomatic) edentulous patient. The concept of immediate loading of implants offers advantages when compared with a traditional treatment modality even in immunocompromised patients who are well controlled.