Retrospective Analysis of 129 Consecutive Zygomatic Implants Used to Rehabilitate Severely Resorbed Maxillae in a Two-Stage Protocol.

PURPOSE

To report on the clinical outcome of 129 zygomatic implants placed in 37 patients with severely resorbed partially or completely edentulous maxillae.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who received zygomatic implants between 2007 and 2014 were included in this retrospective analysis. All patients were treated using the same surgical protocol, the sinus slot technique. The following data were recorded: sex, age, race, medical history, etiology, addictions, degree of bone atrophy, type and size of zygomatic implants, number of implants placed, type of prosthesis, survival rate, and success of implants and complications. Follow-up included standardized clinical and tomography examinations.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven consecutive patients (25 women, 12 men; mean age 55.64 years [range 40 to 77 years]) were treated. All were in need of oral reconstruction and had maxillary atrophy that warranted zygomatic implant placement. One hundred twenty nine zygomatic implants were placed in these 37 patients. Two of the implants failed, resulting in a cumulative survival rate of 98.44%. Maxillary sinusitis was the most common complication found (21.62%); however, neither of the implant failures was related to sinusitis or smoking.

CONCLUSION

The zygomatic implant is a reliable option for treatment of the severely resorbed maxilla.