Clinical, microbiologic and radiologic assessment of soft and hard tissues surrounding zygomatic implants: a retrospective study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the clinical, microbiologic, and radiologic status of soft and hard tissues surrounding zygomatic implants.


METHODS
Patients who had at least two zygomatic implants were eligible for the study. Their soft tissues were analyzed, and microbial samples were collected. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) and orthopantomography were used to measure bone levels. The patients were also asked to complete a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) questionnaire assessing their satisfaction.


RESULTS
A total of 65 zygomatic implants placed in 20 patients were assessed. As one zygomatic implant was lost, the cumulative survival rate was 98.5%. All the prostheses were successful. Peri-implant soft tissues were generally in a healthy condition. The patients with a history of periodontitis had worse mean peri-implant clinical parameters and showed more bacterial colonization with respect to their nonperiodontal counterparts. The implant recipients had low levels of crestal and zygomatic bone loss and high VAS scores indicating their general satisfaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Although zygomatic implants were confirmed to be a reliable treatment option, patients with a history of periodontitis were, nevertheless, found to have special needs, such as frequent dental hygiene sessions.
Associate Professor, Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry, Department of Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Giorgio
G
Lombardo
Associate Professor, Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry, Section of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Antonio
A
D'Agostino
Associate Professor, Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry, Section of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy. Electronic address: Lorenzo.trevisiol@univr.it.
Lorenzo
L
Trevisiol
Associate Professor, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Maria Grazia
MG
Romanelli
Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry, Department of Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Anna
A
Mascellaro
Assistant Professor, Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Macarena
M
Gomez-Lira
Dental Hygienist, Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry, Department of Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Alessia
A
Pardo
Clinical Assistant, Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry, Section of Oral and Maxillo-Facial Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Vittorio
V
Favero
Full Professor, Director of the Unit of Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry, Department of Surgery, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
Pier Francesco
PF
Nocini
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016301:Alveolar Bone Loss / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D054893:Cone-Beam Computed Tomography; D003758:Dental Implantation, Endosseous / Q000379:methods*; D015921:Dental Implants; D017267:Dental Prosthesis Design; D019094:Dental Prosthesis, Implant-Supported; D019232:Dental Restoration Failure; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010518:Periodontitis / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology; D011862:Radiography, Panoramic; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014025:Titanium; D015050:Zygoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*
D015921:Dental Implants; D014025:Titanium