Volume 28, Issue 150, August 2024

Reviving smiles: Periodontal care for a diabetic geriatric patient with tooth surface loss

Siti Nadia Rahimi¹, Nusaibah Sakinah Nordin^2♦

¹Department of Conservative Dentistry and Prosthodontics, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia, 55100, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
²Periodontics Unit, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

^♦Corresponding Author
Periodontics Unit, School of Dental Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia

ABSTRACT

A compromised medical condition may affect the progression of periodontal disease due to the strong association between oral and systemic health. Uncontrolled diabetes can result in significant periodontal damage, potentially leading to severe complications such as tooth loss. This case report highlights the management of an elderly patient diagnosed with 'Generalised Periodontitis Stage IV Grade C,' complicated by uncontrolled Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM), partial edentulous arches, reduced vertical dimension, and tooth surface loss. A comprehensive approach was employed, emphasising the interplay between periodontal health and systemic conditions, particularly diabetes. Initial management included debridement and the prescription of antibiotics, followed by extraction of hopeless teeth and the provision of an upper immediate overdenture. Non-surgical periodontal therapy was conducted alongside restorative and prosthodontic treatments. The patient’s HbA1c levels improved from 8.5% to 7.0% over three months, demonstrating the positive impact of periodontal therapy on glycemic control. A multidisciplinary treatment plan was formulated, addressing defective restorations and constructing provisional and definitive prostheses. Emphasis was placed on maintaining excellent oral hygiene, which was reinforced during follow-ups. This case underscores the importance of integrated dental care in managing complex cases, particularly in elderly patients with multiple comorbidities, to enhance overall quality of life. Comprehensive dental management, meticulous periodontal care, and collaboration among specialists were crucial in restoring the patient’s oral health and function, highlighting the bidirectional relationship between periodontal disease and diabetes management. This approach ensures long-term treatment success and improved oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) for the patient.

Keywords: Periodontitis, Diabetes, Tooth surface loss, Geriatric, Shortened Dental Arch

Medical Science, 2024, 28, e97ms3397

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.54905/disssi.v28i150.e97ms3397

Published: 09 August 2024