Are zygomatic implants a simple and reliable technique for the stabilization of obturator prostheses? Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Zygomatic implants have been used for several years for the treatment of extremely resorbed maxilla. Indications were extended for oral rehabilitations after maxillectomy in oncologic patients. A 24-year old patient with a triple A syndrome who underwent a left maxillectomy due to a spinocellular tumour was addressed for prosthetic rehabilitation. As his obturator prosthesis failed, surgical closure of the defect combined with 2 zygomatic implants to support the prosthesis was proposed. Despite a small persistent oro-antral fistula, the new obturator prosthesis restored the patient's functions and esthetics and improved his quality of life. The literature reports less than 40 cases of maxillectomy patients rehabilitated with zygomatic implants (with or without flap closure of the defect). Regardless of implant placement, there is no significant difference between reconstructive surgery and obturator prosthesis. Thus, zygomatic implants seem to be a reliable method for the stabilization of obturator prosthesis, without complex surgical procedure. Nonetheless, reservations should be expressed given the lack of data in terms of long-term follow up.