Zygomatic implant-retained fixed complete denture for an elderly patient

Area of Science:

• Oral surgery
• Prosthodontics
• Geriatric dentistry

Background:

• Rehabilitating completely edentulous geriatric patients presents unique challenges, particularly regarding bone volume and patient expectations.
• Conventional dental implant treatment requires adequate residual alveolar bone, often lacking in elderly patients.
• Zygomatic implants provide a graftless option for maxillary reconstruction in cases of severe bone atrophy.

Observation:

• A completely edentulous elderly patient with high aesthetic and functional demands was treated.
• The treatment plan involved a combination of zygomatic implants and conventional implants.
• Severe maxillary bone deficiency was noted, precluding traditional implant placement.

Findings:

• The surgical procedure utilized zygomatic implants anchored in the zygoma, bypassing the atrophic maxillary bone.
• Immediate loading was achieved with a definitive fixed denture, featuring an acrylic resin prosthesis reinforced with a cast metal framework.
• The combined implant approach restored function and aesthetics effectively.

Implications:

• Zygomatic implants represent a viable, graftless alternative for complex dental implant rehabilitation in geriatric patients.
• Immediate loading protocols with hybrid prostheses can enhance patient satisfaction and reduce treatment time.
• This approach expands treatment possibilities for edentulous patients with significant maxillary bone loss.