Rehabilitation of a Hemophiliac With Implants: A Medical Perspective and Case Report

A patient suffering from classical hemophilia had previous surgery for ankylosis of the right temporomandibular joint. This was replaced by a costochondral graft and an overlay of temporalis muscle. A bilateral sagittal split was performed for a micrognathic mandible and a sleep apnea problem. That procedure solved the sleep apnea; however, it resulted in a prognathic mandible and an anterior open bite. The lower anterior teeth were periodontally involved with impaired alveolar support. The restricted opening of the oral cavity of 18 mm between maxillary and mandibular centrals and the potential danger of bleeding complicated the surgical and restorative procedures. The patient was prepared medically on each of 4 occasions with factor VIII replacement concentrate, and oral antifibrinolytic therapy (tranexamic acid). The treatment of choice was the extraction of the remaining lower incisors and their replacement with an implant-supported temporarily cemented retrievable fixed prosthesis. Serial extractions and chairside temporization provided the surgeon with precise guides for implant placement, and enabled the patient to enjoy unimpaired function through periods of healing and osseointegration.