Reconstruction of a severely atrophic maxilla using a Le Fort I downgraft and dental implants: clinical report.

A 55-year-old woman developed chronic infections of the maxillary sinuses with osteomyelitis resulting in extensive bone destruction and atrophy from a failed subperiosteal implant. After surgical removal of the subperiosteal implant, extensive debridement of the maxilla, and long-term antibiotic therapy, maxillary reconstruction was initiated. A Le Fort I osteotomy and downgraft was performed, and a posterior iliac bone graft was harvested and grafted to reconstruct the severely atrophic maxilla. In a later surgical procedure, maxillary and mandibular implants were placed. Implant-retained overdentures were fabricated to restore function and esthetics.