Comparative evaluation of extrasinus versus intrasinus approach for zygomatic implant placement

Edentulism, a common problem can occur either as a congenital defect or acquired later due to dental caries, periodontitis, as a consequence of aging, maxillofacial trauma or post-ablation in tumor resections. The rehabilitation of the missing teeth can be done using dental implants. To overcome the deficiency of available bone, processes like sinus augmentation with substituted bone graft and Le Fort I osteotomy with interpositional bone graft have been described in the literature. In order to overcome the associated limitations with these procedures, implants were designed that can be placed in specific anatomical areas like zygoma. This study aims to compare two different types of surgical approaches (Intrasinus vs Extrasinus) for the placement of zygomatic implants to treat atrophic maxilla. The placement of zygomatic implant through both extrasinus and intrasinus approaches were evaluated on the basis of different parameters and it was observed that postoperative pain and swelling was significantly found in intra sinus approach as compared to extra sinus approach. However, in the intranasal approach, poor patient compliance or low satisfaction rate was observed as compared to extra sinus approach. On the basis of the results of the study and post operative evaluation based on various criteria, it was concluded that extra sinus approach has got an edge over intra sinus approach.