Treatment of an edentulous patient over 23 years showing the influence of systemic health on oral health and quality of life

This case history follows the treatment of a 61-year-old edentulous woman over a period of 23 years. The patient was wearing complete dentures for 25 years prior to treatment, was in pain, and having difficulty eating. Many treatments were tried, including multiple soft liners, hydroxyapatite to improve her mandibular ridge, and finally an implant-supported-overdenture. However, in spite of using all the technical procedures and materials available to us at the time of treating the patient, we were unable to sustain the comfort and quality of life for this patient. This happened because of the severe resorption of her mandible, with an intolerance to occlusal loading, and the continuous deterioration of her systemic health.