Biochemical and Morphological Modifications in a Patient with Acromegaly in Correlation with Oral Rehabilitation

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the persistence of prosthetic treatment in a patient with morphological and biochemical alterations specific to acromegaly, which consists of a fixed prosthetic restoration. Acromegaly is a chronic multi-systemic endocrine disease due to an excess of hormones (GH = growth hormone) or growth factor (IGF-1 insulin-like growth factor) attributed to pituitary disorders. Morphological signs and symptoms of acromegaly are particularly visible in the face and extremities. We performed a prosthetic therapy to a 36-year-old acromegaly patient, consisting of a full arch bridge for maxilla and three mandible bridges. We applied an original method for reducing the thickness of the metal on the occlusal surface of the crowns. We have observed the evolution of the patient for 20 years. Morphological changes over time in the mandible arch have caused the decementation of the bridge in the frontal area and the enhancement of the lateral cross-bite, insignificant changes that did not endanger dento-maxillary functionality. The case treated by us demonstrates that fixed dentures can be applied to acromegaly patients with multiple edentations, with the condition of supervising the patient over the time.