Comprehensive treatment for severe periodontitis with pathologic tooth migration-related bimaxillary protrusion: A case report with 3-year follow-up

Abstract

Background and overview: Patients with severe periodontitis often experience pathologic tooth migration (PTM), which impairs esthetics and leads to occlusal disharmony (for example, premature contacts and traumatic occlusion) that can further exacerbate periodontitis. The authors describe a patient who exhibited severe periodontitis with PTM-related bimaxillary protrusion. This report includes 3-year clinical outcomes after periodontal regenerative therapy, implant-anchored orthodontic therapy, and implant prosthodontics intended to achieve both functional and esthetic improvements.

Case description: A 63-year-old woman sought treatment with the chief complaint of maxillary anterior tooth mobility. Clinical examination revealed excessive tooth mobility, deep periodontal pockets, and infrabony defects in all teeth. All teeth exhibited PTM; the mandibular anterior teeth exhibited marked protrusion caused by the progression of periodontitis. After initial periodontal therapy, periodontal regenerative therapy was performed in all molar regions. At 6 and 9 months postoperatively, comprehensive orthodontic treatment was initiated for the mandible and maxilla, respectively, using orthodontic anchorage devices to achieve acceptable functional occlusion. After orthodontic treatment, staged guided bone regeneration was performed and dental implants were placed in the severely resorbed maxillary anterior ridge. This comprehensive treatment yielded favorable periodontal conditions, stable occlusion, and good esthetic outcomes.

Conclusions and practical implications: Favorable esthetics, stable occlusion, and highly cleansable periodontal tissues were achieved with well-planned interdisciplinary and comprehensive treatment, although the patient had severe periodontitis and PTM-related bimaxillary protrusion.

Keywords: Interdisciplinary therapy; bimaxillary protrusion; guided bone regeneration; implant-anchored orthodontic treatment; pathologic tooth migration; periodontal regenerative therapy; severe periodontitis.