Evaluation of 31 zygomatic implants and 74 regular dental implants used in 16 patients for prosthetic reconstruction of the atrophic maxilla with cross-arch fixed bridges.
BACKGROUND
The use of a specially designed implant to be anchored in the zygomatic body has been proposed as an alternative to bone grafting in the prosthetic rehabilitation of the severely resorbed maxilla. However, few studies have evaluated the long-term stability and soft tissue conditions of zygomatic implants.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the clinical performance of zygomatic implants when used for prosthetic reconstruction of atrophic maxillae.


METHODS
Sixteen patients consecutively treated with 31 zygomatic implants and 74 additional dental implants from 1998 to 2002 were retrospectively evaluated and prospectively followed using a standardized clinical and radiographic study design. Data were collected from the time of implant treatment until the last follow-up


RESULTS
The follow-up period ranged from 9 to 69 months from the day of implant treatment, with a mean of 46.4 months (3 years, 10 months). Three (9.7%) of the 31 zygomatic implants were surgically removed because of recurrent sinusitis. Three (4.1%) of the 71 additional dental implants failed to integrate. Poor oral hygiene and gingivitis were seen at most zygomatic implant sites (10/16). Local infections were observed in 9 of 16 patients. Sinusitis occurred in 6 patients. All patients (16/16) eventually received fixed bridges, which were stable throughout the observation period.


CONCLUSIONS
The results showed an acceptable outcome with regard to implant and prosthetic survival rates. However, postoperative complications not related to implant and prosthesis stability were frequent. Further investigations of the long-term performance of zygomatic implants and with a focus on soft tissue and maxillary sinus health are needed.
Becktor
Jonas P
JP
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Maxillofacial Unit, Länssjukhuset, Halmstad, Sweden. jonas@becktor.dk
Isaksson
Sten
S
Abrahamsson
Peter
P
Sennerby
Lars
L
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D015921:Dental Implants; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D017268:Dental Prosthesis Retention; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D003830:Denture, Partial, Fixed; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008439:Maxillary Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation; D015523:Maxillary Sinusitis / Q000209:etiology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011861:Radiography, Dental; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015050:Zygoma / Q000601:surgery*
D015921:Dental Implants