OBJECTIVE

To assess if immediate-loaded zygomatic implant-supported fixed rehabilitation meets the expectations of and satisfies patients with atrophic edentulous maxilla.

METHODS

This study included an analysis of data obtained from the dental records of 22 consecutive patients with atrophic edentulous maxillae who received immediate-loaded zygomatic implant-supported fixed rehabilitation between 2017 and 2020. Patients' expectations and satisfaction scores were recorded on a validated 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and generalized estimating equations.

RESULTS

The results showed a majority of patients had high expectations (VAS > 90) of the rehabilitation with regard to their general satisfaction (71%), aesthetics (71%), chewing (66%), speech (66%), and influence on social life (81%). At 6 months, a majority of the patients showed high general satisfaction (72%), and high satisfaction with aesthetics (77%), chewing (72%), speech (66%), and social life (72%) (VAS > 90). There was a statistically significant increase in the level of satisfaction with chewing from 2 weeks to 6 months after immediate loading (B = 0.309, SE = 0.138, 95% CI: 0.038, 0.580, p = 0.025). A statistically significant association was found between pre-treatment expectations and satisfaction with the rehabilitation's impact on speech, aesthetics, and social life. The satisfaction levels were not influenced by age and sex. All participants agreed that they would recommend this procedure to their peers.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that immediate-loaded zygomatic implant-supported fixed rehabilitation could meet the expectations and satisfy edentulous patients with atrophic maxilla.