Rehabilitation with zygomatic implants: a treatment option for the atrophic edentulous maxilla--9-year follow-up.

The reconstructive rehabilitation of atrophic maxillae using bone grafts inevitably involves risk because it demands an accurate surgical technique, good quality soft tissues covering the graft, a great deal of patient cooperation, and a good general health condition favorable to the healing process.1 In addition, bone grafting techniques involve surgical morbidity, such as complications after removal of bone blocks, longer time during which patients remain without rehabilitation during the graft consolidation and healing periods, need of hospitalization, and higher treatment costs.2 In view of this, the placement of implants in the zygomatic bone as an alternative to maxillary reconstruction with autogenous bone grafts has been considered a viable option in the rehabilitation of atrophic maxillae. This article reports the 9-year clinical outcome of the two-stage surgical rehabilitation of a severely atrophic edentulous maxilla with a metal-resin fixed denture supported by zygomatic implants and standard implants anchored in the anterior region of the maxilla. Rehabilitation with zygomatic implants: A treatment option for the atrophic edentulous maxilla—9-year follow-up