Preventing alveolar ridge resorption by rehabilitating with fenestrated and overdenture in aggressive periodontitis

Aggressive periodontitis, is characterized by severe loss of attachment and destruction of alveolar bone around one or more permanent teeth during the period of pubescence. It is currently believed that a combination of bacteriologic and immunologic factors are of major importance in the etiology of this disease. The objective of this study was to point out the importance of early patient presentation, correct diagnosis, and proper prosthodontic management of the disease condition by the dentist. Our case was an 18-year-old male and his clinical and radiographic findings were typical for generalized juvenile periodontitis. Treatment consisted of thorough training in techniques of plaque control, scaling and root planing and administration of tetracycline 250 mg every six hours for three weeks. Preservation of facial countours and replacement of missing teeth with overdenture and fenestrated denture. There was significant improvement of these clinical parameters six months after treatment, and replacement of the missing teeth improved their appearance as expected. The psychotherapy offered gave the patients positive psychological effects that further restored their ability to socialize in their environment, which added to their positive experience of life. Longer follow-ups will add more knowledge about the treatment modalities for rehabilitation of aggressive periodontitis patients.