Implant-supported oral rehabilitation of a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus: Case report and review of the literature

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease with multisystemic involvement. Immune-suppressive drugs used in the treatment of the disease can increase the risk of infection and delay healing, which are of concern in dental-treatment procedures. Because of the involvement of the salivary glands, the composition and amount of saliva released are usually altered in patients with SLE. Significantly lowered salivary flow rate causes difficulties during dental procedures and makes it difficult to maintain oral hygiene and conserve both fixed and removable prostheses. This case report presents a patient who had an extremely dry mouth and oral lesions due to SLE and describes how oral rehabilitation was achieved with implant-supported fixed dentures. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of oral implants in a patient with SLE. Dental practitioners should consider dental implants as a preferred treatment choice in the oral rehabilitation of patients with SLE. (Quintessence Int 2010; 41: 863-867)