What prosthodontic therapy should we select for periodontally compromised patients? Part 1: Review of the literature focusing on implant therapy for periodontally compromised patients

PURPOSE: From a large number of experimental and clinical studies, it has been suggested that dental implant therapy has good prognosis for totally and partially edentulous patients. However, it is unclear whether we can use the implants for periodontally compromised patients. The aim of the present study was is to consider scientific evidence on implant treatment for periodontitis-susceptible subjects with partially edentulous dentate. STUDY SELECTION: Clinical studies that documented survival rates or success rates of implant therapy for periodontally compromised patients were selected and reviewed. RESULTS: Most of the 22 reports that were reviewed suggested good survival or success rate of implant therapy in short-term or medium-term clinical results. CONCLUSION: Although there were only a few long-term follow up studies, it was indicated that individuals who had susceptibility to periodontal disease can be treated successfully with the implants. In all reports, treatment for infection was done before implants installation, and the importance of regular maintenance after the installation has been emphasized. From this literature review, it was advocated that periodontally compromised patients could be treated successfully with the implants. However, implant therapy should be reconsidered if oral infection cannot be satisfactorily controlled.