Zygomatic implants: a critical review of the surgical techniques

The purpose of the present study is to identify and describe the different surgical techniques for placement of zygomatic implants reported in the literature and discuss the differences between them.

An electronic search was undertaken in July 2011. The titles and abstracts from these results (n = 130) were read for identifying studies, which reported different surgical techniques for placement of zygomatic implants, which resulted in 41 articles.

Five different surgical approaches were identified: (1) the classical approach, (2) the sinus slot technique, (3) the exteriorized approach, (4) the minimally invasive approach by the use of custom-made drill guides, and (5) the computer-aided surgical navigation system approach. When the maxilla is severely resorbed, the concavity formed by the ridge crest is small, and the original classical technique should be used. When maxillary resorption generates a large concavity, it would be better to exteriorize the zygomatic implant. The externalized technique has fewer surgical steps than the classical and sinus slot methods, is less invasive, and reduces surgical time. It is recommended that utilization of the sinus slot technique together with the CT-based drilling guide would enhance the final results. Although the technique that uses the computer-aided surgical navigation system approach may produce an improved precision in the clinical procedure, its use is expensive, prolongs the operation time, and is limited to centers that have the necessary equipment for the surgery.

Preference for one technique over the other should take into consideration the concavity formed by the ridge crest, maxillary sinus, and region of implant insertion in the zygomatic bone.