ZYGOMATIC IMPLANT – REHABILITATIVE TREATMENT IN A PATIENT WITH ATROPHIC MAXILLA: CASE REPORT
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66104/wka03y86Keywords:
Atrophic Maxilla; Dental Implants; Oral Surgery; Oral Rehabilitation.Abstract
Introduction: Severe maxillary atrophy represents one of the greatest challenges in implant-supported oral rehabilitation, compromising both masticatory function and the patient's quality of life. In these cases, inadequate bone quantity and quality make the placement of conventional implants unfeasible without grafting procedures, which are not always indicated or accepted by the patient. In this context, the zygomatic implant emerges as an effective alternative, anchoring itself in the zygomatic bone—a structure of greater density and volume—and, in most cases, eliminating the need for prior bone reconstruction. Objective: To report the rehabilitative treatment of a patient with Cawood and Howell class IV atrophic maxilla, using zygomatic implants as an implant-supported prosthetic solution, describing the surgical protocol, planning, and results obtained. Case Report: A 58-year-old male patient, completely edentulous in the upper jaw, presented to the clinic reporting masticatory difficulty and dissatisfaction with conventional complete dentures. Computed tomography revealed severe maxillary atrophy, with insufficient bone volume for conventional implants. After virtual planning, four zygomatic implants—two on each side—were installed under general anesthesia, following the extrasinusal technique. Immediate loading was performed with a screw-retained provisional prosthesis installed within 48 hours. After six months of follow-up, a definitive protocol-type prosthesis was fabricated. The patient progressed without complications, with excellent implant integration and aesthetic and functional satisfaction. Conclusion: The zygomatic implant proved to be a safe, predictable, and effective alternative for the rehabilitation of patients with atrophic maxilla, eliminating the need for bone grafts and reducing the total treatment time. Careful planning and mastery of the surgical technique are fundamental to the success and longevity of the treatment
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Copyright (c) 2026 Giuseppe Mazzaglia, Naedja Nayane da Silva, Leonardo Gomes Mendes, Emerson Eduardo Toldo, Marcelo Peraccini, Tayná Ribeiro Monteiro de Figueiredo, Cíntia Moreira Gonçalves, Vitor Rodrigues da Silva, Phellipe Pereira do Nascimento, Mariana Carvalho Costa Menezes, Ana Beatriz Domingos de Souza, João Paulo da Silva e Silva, Iure Feitosa Guedes
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