PROSTHODONTIC TREATMENT OF A PATIENT WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS WITH SEVERE CONDYLAR RESORPTION: 4-YEAR FOLLOW-UP

Abstract

In this study, dental management and 4 years follow up of a 45 years old patient with a 6 years medical history of rheumatoid arthritis with limited mouth opening and masticatory muscles tenderness was evaluated. The clinical examination revealed an anterior open bite thought to be a result of condylar resorption due to TMJ involved rheumatoid arthritis. In this case prosthodontic management was planned to be the treatment choice rather than advanced TMJ surgical rehabilitation. Prosthodontic management was decided according to clinical, radiographic examinations and patient's demands were considered. The prosthodontic management optimized the inter-occlusal relationship to maintain both functional and esthetic integrity. As a result the traumatic effect to the TMJ was reduced and 4 years follow up reveals that condylar resorption remained stable and no open bite occurred.