RESULTS:
Twenty-one patients (11 women and 10 men) with severe maxillary atrophy underwent treatment with zygomatic implants placed using the sinus slot technique. Mean patient age was 54.1 years (range, 31 to 75 years). One patient presented with ectodermal dysplasia. A total of 89 conventional implants and 40 zygomatic implants were placed. During surgery, the sinus membrane was perforated in all cases; however, there were no significant postoperative complications. One patient presented with an ecchymosis. Two conventional implants failed; none of the 40 zygomatic implants failed. Mean follow-up after placement of the implants was 29 months, during which time the prostheses and implants remained stable and functional.
CONCLUSION:
Zygomatic implants, when positioned in conjunction with premaxillary implants, can facilitate the surgical rehabilitation of patients presenting with severe maxillary resorption, as an alternative to bone grafting.