A Systematic Approach to Restoring Full Arch Length with Maxillary Fixed Implant Reconstruction: The PATZi Protocol

Area of Science:

• Dental Implantology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Background:

• Traditional four-implant configurations for full-arch maxillary prostheses face challenges like intraoperative variability and sinus pneumatization.
• These issues can lead to treatment plan deviations, shortened dental arches, and excessive cantilever forces.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce the PATZi protocol, a systematized algorithm for maxillary full-arch implant treatment planning.
• To address intraoperative surprises and ensure planned full arch length in prostheses.
• To provide a uniform classification for implant configurations, surgical difficulty, and salvage planning.

Main Methods:

• The PATZi protocol is presented as a guideline for treatment planning.
• It involves a systematized algorithm and a numbering classification system for implant configurations.
• The protocol aims to manage intraoperative variability and anatomical limitations.

Main Results:

• The PATZi protocol helps achieve full arch length in the planned prosthesis.
• It leads to uniform communication and grading of surgical difficulty.
• Surgeons can improve composite torque value and anteroposterior spread, and eliminate distal cantilever forces.

Conclusions:

• The PATZi protocol enhances the predictability of maxillary full-arch implant treatment planning.
• It provides a structured method to overcome common surgical challenges.
• Improved surgical outcomes and prosthetic success are anticipated with its application.