A new method of inserting endosseous implants in totally atrophic maxillae

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Dental Implantology
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Treating the totally atrophic maxilla presents significant challenges for dental implant placement.
• Existing methods often require multiple surgical stages, increasing patient morbidity.
• Restoring both function and aesthetics in severely atrophic maxillae is a primary clinical goal.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a single-stage surgical method for treating the totally atrophic maxilla.
• To evaluate the feasibility and outcomes of simultaneous endosseous implant insertion, jaw correction, and vestibuloplasty.
• To assess the potential for using long titanium screws in severely atrophic maxillae.

Main Methods:

• A combined surgical approach including Le Fort I osteotomy and modified submucous vestibuloplasty.
• Sinus floor obturation with iliac crest bone grafts and simultaneous insertion of 20 mm titanium screws.
• Fixation of the repositioned maxilla using miniplates.
• Application in patients with totally atrophic maxillae and minor alveolar atrophy.

Main Results:

• Successful placement of 35 endosseous implants across 5 patients with zero implant loss.
• Normalization of intermaxillary relationship and vertical dimension.
• Excellent aesthetic results reported post-operatively.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize 20 mm titanium screws in severely atrophic maxillae.

Conclusions:

• The described single-stage surgical procedure is effective for treating the totally atrophic maxilla.
• This method allows for stable implant placement and restoration of jaw aesthetics and function.
• The technique offers a viable solution for complex maxillary reconstructions, with promising preliminary results.