Implant-supported overdenture rehabilitation and progressive systemic sclerosis

Progressive systemic sclerosis, or systemic scleroderma, is an autoimmune multisystemic disease associated with vascular abnormalities, connective tissue sclerosis, atrophy, and autoimmune changes. The complex oral problems that may develop in patients with the disease and the difficult oral access necessitate extreme care in preventing dental disease. The oral management of a patient with an edentulous mandible and progressive systemic sclerosis, using an overdenture supported by osseointegrated implants, is presented and discussed.