Surgical considerations for endosseous implants in the craniofacial region: a 3-year report

From 1987 to 1990, 28 patients were treated with titanium implants (Brånemark flange fixtures) in the craniofacial area for the support of craniofacial prosthesis or anchorage of bone-conduction hearing aids in the Orofacial Implant Center at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). A total of 88 implants were placed, of which 22 were placed in previously irradiated areas. Twenty-three of the implants were placed in the orbital area, 37 in the mastoid area, 20 in the nasal area, and eight in various other craniofacial regions. Seven implants were lost in four different patients. The proper location and positioning of implants in specific areas of the craniofacial regions, as well as soft-tissue complications and management, are discussed.