Our Summary

This research paper discusses a case where a 55-year-old woman, who was taking a medication called adalimumab for ulcerative colitis, developed a serious infection after getting dental implants. Two weeks after surgery, she had pus discharge from all the implants and infections in the areas below her chin and jaw. The treatment involved draining the infected areas, removing all the dental implants, and cleaning the dead tissue from her jawbone. The patient recovered completely after this. The paper suggests that people taking adalimumab may be at risk of severe infections that could lead to loss of implants and bone damage.

FAQs

  1. What is an adalimumab-related dental implant surgical-site infection?
  2. What course of treatment was followed for the patient who developed infections following dental implant surgery?
  3. What are the potential risks of dental implant surgery for individuals taking adalimumab?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about dental implant surgery is to inform their healthcare provider about any medications they are taking, especially immunosuppressants like adalimumab, as they may increase the risk of infection and complications during the healing process. It is important to follow post-operative care instructions carefully and attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and success of the dental implants.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended dental implant surgery are those who have missing teeth, good oral health, adequate bone density in the jaw, and are in overall good health. However, patients with certain medical conditions or taking certain medications, such as adalimumab for inflammatory bowel disease, may be at increased risk for complications such as surgical-site infections. It is important for patients to inform their dentist or oral surgeon about any medical conditions or medications they are taking before undergoing dental implant surgery to minimize the risk of complications.

Timeline

Before dental implant surgery:

  • Patient undergoes consultation with dentist to discuss treatment plan and options
  • Pre-operative evaluations and tests may be conducted to assess bone density and overall oral health
  • Patient may need to undergo tooth extractions or other preparatory procedures before implant placement
  • Patient is informed about the surgery, recovery process, and potential risks and complications

After dental implant surgery:

  • Patient may experience discomfort, swelling, and bruising in the days following surgery
  • Patient is instructed on post-operative care, including oral hygiene practices and diet restrictions
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and check the stability of the implants
  • Over the following months, the implants integrate with the jawbone through a process called osseointegration
  • Once healed, the patient receives their permanent prosthetic tooth or teeth attached to the implants
  • Patient continues regular dental check-ups and maintenance to ensure the long-term success of the implants

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of dental implant surgery for someone taking adalimumab?
  2. How will my adalimumab medication affect the healing process after dental implant surgery?
  3. Should I adjust my adalimumab dosage or schedule around the time of my dental implant surgery?
  4. Are there any specific precautions or additional measures that need to be taken to prevent infection in someone taking adalimumab?
  5. How will my ulcerative colitis and adalimumab treatment impact the success rate of dental implants in my case?
  6. What signs or symptoms should I watch out for after dental implant surgery that may indicate infection or complications related to my adalimumab medication?
  7. Will I need to undergo any additional monitoring or follow-up appointments due to my use of adalimumab?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options or modifications to the surgical plan that should be considered for someone taking adalimumab?
  9. How can I best manage my ulcerative colitis and dental implant surgery recovery while taking adalimumab?
  10. Are there any specific precautions or guidelines I should follow during the post-operative period to minimize the risk of infection or complications related to my adalimumab medication?

Reference

Authors: Cillo JE Jr, Barbosa N. Journal: J Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2019 Jun;77(6):1165-1169. doi: 10.1016/j.joms.2019.01.033. Epub 2019 Jan 30. PMID: 30794813