[Surgical correction of the sagittal shift of the jaws in severe alveolar atrophy]

A method for treatment of sagittal discrepancy in edentulous patients is described, which includes simultaneous maxillary repositioning by means of a Le Fort I osteotomy and placement of endosseous implants. The technique of mandibular setback using the sagittal osteotomy of the mandible according to Obwegeser-Dal Pont's method and placement of implants in patients with extreme class III relationships is also presented. We outline the importance of thorough diagnosis, model surgery and its transfer at the time of the operation. The study of 12 consecutively treated patients with a follow up of 4.2 years showed functionally and esthetically good results after combined surgical and implantological treatment.