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

Benjamin Sender,Philippe Jaby,Thibault Lacroix,Anne-Gaelle Chaux-Bodard

doi:10.1051/mbcb/2020002

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.

Highlights

Zygomatic implants (ZI) have been used for several years as part of the prosthodontic rehabilitation in patients with maxillary atrophy
The technique was introduced in 1998 by Branemark to provide retention and stability for conventional removable dentures and has progressed to reconcile prosthodontic goals with anatomic reality. These specific implants allow an anchorage distally from the maxilla and the literature shows a success rate similar to conventional osseointegrated implants [1,2]. Their indications were extended for the rehabilitation of maxillectomy using zygomatic implant to stabilize obturator prosthesis is well described in the literature [3,4,5,6]
This article aims to report the case of a young, physically challenged hemimaxillectomy patient treated with zygomatic implants and obturator prosthesis and review the available data

Summary

Introduction

Zygomatic implants (ZI) have been used for several years as part of the prosthodontic rehabilitation in patients with maxillary atrophy. The technique was introduced in 1998 by Branemark to provide retention and stability for conventional removable dentures and has progressed to reconcile prosthodontic goals with anatomic reality These specific implants allow an anchorage distally from the maxilla and the literature shows a success rate similar to conventional osseointegrated implants [1,2]. Their indications were extended for the rehabilitation of maxillectomy using zygomatic implant to stabilize obturator prosthesis is well described in the literature [3,4,5,6].

Objectives

Findings

Conclusion