title: Rehabilitation of a complex midfacial defect by means of a zygoma-implant-supported prosthesis and nasal epithesis: a novel technique.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Several authors have described zygoma implants as a reliable surgical option to rehabilitate severe maxillary defects in case of extreme atrophy or oncological resections. The aim of this study is to report a new technical approach to the rehabilitation of a complex oronasal defect by means of a zygoma-implant-supported full-arch dental prosthesis combined with a nasal epithesis.
  
  
  METHODS
  The patient presented with a subtotal bilateral maxillectomy and total rhinectomy defect because of a squamous cell carcinoma of the nose. No reconstructive surgery was performed because of the high risk of recurrence; moreover, the patient refused any secondary procedure. After surgery, the patient presented a wide palatal defect associated to the absence of the nasal pyramid. Zygoma-retained prostheses are well documented, and they offer good anchorage in rehabilitating wide defects after oncological surgery and a good chance for patients to improve their quality of life. We hereby describe two prosthetic devices rehabilitating two iatrogenic defects by means of a single intraoral implant-supported bar extending throughout the oronasal communication, thus offering nasal epithesis anchorage.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 1-year follow-up after functional prosthetic loading, no implant failure has been reported. Clinical and radiological follow-up showed no sign of nasal infection or peri-implantitis. The patient reported a sensitive improvement of his quality of life.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Simultaneous oral and nasal rehabilitation of complex oronasal defects with zygoma-implant-supported dental prosthesis and nasal epithesis represents a reliable surgical technique. According to this clinical report, the above-mentioned technique seems to be a valuable treatment option as it is safe, reliable and easy to handle for both surgeon and patient.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Verona, Policlinico "Giovanni Battista Rossi", Piazzale Ludovico Antonio Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Lorenzo
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Trevisiol
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Verona, Policlinico "Giovanni Battista Rossi", Piazzale Ludovico Antonio Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Pasquale
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Procacci
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Verona, Policlinico "Giovanni Battista Rossi", Piazzale Ludovico Antonio Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy. antonio.dagostino@univr.it.
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: D'Agostino
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Verona, Policlinico "Giovanni Battista Rossi", Piazzale Ludovico Antonio Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Ferrari
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Verona, Policlinico "Giovanni Battista Rossi", Piazzale Ludovico Antonio Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Daniele
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: De Santis
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Section of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Verona, Policlinico "Giovanni Battista Rossi", Piazzale Ludovico Antonio Scuro, 10, 37134, Verona, Italy.
authors.forename: Pier Francesco
authors.initials: PF
authors.lastname: Nocini
keywords: Extraoral rehabilitation; Maxillectomy; Obturator prosthesis; Rhinectomy; Zygoma implants