Comparison between immediate and delayed laser-treated implants surface with switching platform: a clinical retrospective study.

The aim of the present study was to compare immediate (Im) versus delayed (De) placement of laser-treated implants surface with switching platform to confirm the predictability and performance of this type of implant. The implants were placed in pos exodontia and healed sites at the incisor, canine, premolar, and molar regions of the maxilla or the mandible. A protocol was prepared in which patient age, sex, implant length, diameter, and use of bone graft were recorded. The study included 44 GEASS Srl (Udine, Italy) implants with laser surface and morse taper connection, placed in 27 patients (mean age: 56 years; range: 25-80 years).The survival rates were 100% in the Im group and in the De group. The patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. Implants with laser surface and morse connection presented when placed in fresh sockets showed similar results to implants placed in mature bone after 12 months of follow-up.

Identification of the Pathway and Appropriate Use of Four Zygomatic Implants in the Atrophic Maxilla: A Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: This cross-sectional study aimed to identify and characterize the pathway for appropriate placement of four zygomatic implants in the severely atrophic maxilla and to group the anatomical variations of the osteotomy trajectory for anterior zygomatic implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CBCT images of patients presenting indications for the use of four zygomatic implants to withstand a maxillary rehabilitation were reviewed. Cross-sectional planes corresponding to the implant trajectories, designed according to a zygoma anatomy-guided approach for implants placed in the anterior and posterior maxilla, were assessed separately. The relationship of the implant osteotomy trajectory with the correlated residual alveolar bone, nasal and sinus cavities, maxillary wall, and zygomatic bone anatomies was established. RESULTS: The study population included 122 globally recruited patients, with 488 zygomatic implants, 244 of which had their starting point on the anterior incisor-canine area and 244 on the posterior premolar-molar area. The anatomy of the osteotomy path designed for the anterior implants ("A") was named and grouped into five assemblies from zygomatic anatomy-guided ZAGA A-0 to A-4, representing 2.9%, 4.5%, 19.7%, 55.7%, and 17.2% of the studied sites. Percentages for posterior implant ("P") trajectories of the osteotomy were grouped and named as ZAGA P-0 to P-4, representing 5.7%, 10.2%, 8.2%, 18.4%, and 57.4% of the sites, respectively. Approximately 70% of the population presented anatomical intra-individual differences. CONCLUSION: The trajectory of the zygomatic implant followed different anatomical pathways depending on its coronal point being anteriorly or posteriorly located, which justifies a new zygoma anatomy-guided approach classification for anteriorly placed zygomatic implants. Topographic characteristics of the anatomical structures that are cut by an anterior oblique plane joining the lateral incisor-canine area to the zygomatic bone, representing the planned anterior osteotomy path in a quadruple-zygoma indication, have not been previously reported. Adaptation of surgical procedures and implant sections/designs to individual patients' anatomical characteristics is essential to reduce early and long-term complications.

Closure of oroantral communication with buccal fat pad flap in zygomatic implant surgery: a case report.

The scientific literature has demonstrated the use of the buccal fat pad (BFP) flap to cover bone grafts in the correction of maxillary osseous defects and in the closure of oroantral communications. The use of the pedicled BFP flap to provide an immediate blood supply to a recipient site is recommended to provide closure of oroantral communications. The author presents a case report of zygomatic implant surgery in which the BFP flap technique was used in the closure of an oroantral communication caused by maxillofacial surgery.

The buccal fat pad flap: an option to prevent and treat complications regarding complex zygomatic implant surgery. Preliminary report.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of the buccal fat pad flap (BFPF) technique as an option to prevent complications in the treatment of patients with atrophic maxillae rehabilitated after complex zygomatic implant surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was made of completely edentulous patients submitted to zygomatic implant surgery between May 2005 and November 2007. Patients with severely atrophic maxillae received conventional and zygomatic implants and were followed after the implants were loaded. Preoperative evaluation included panoramic radiography and computed tomographic scans of the maxilla to identify the anatomic conditions and presence of pathology. RESULTS: Eight male patients with a mean age of 57 years and atrophic maxillae were rehabilitated with zygomatic implants placed using the BFPF technique. The BFPF technique was used in complex situations, including oroantral communication-associated sites, areas that had lost the sinus wall, and extrasinus implant placement. A total of 16 conventional implants, 4 long (21-mm) tilted implants, and 22 zygomatic implants was placed. The patients were rehabilitated with fixed prostheses and were followed for a minimum of 15 months. None of the conventional implants failed and none of the zygomatic implants failed or presented with soft tissue complications. CONCLUSION: The BFPF presented a high success rate, demonstrating that it is a viable and predictable treatment option to prevent and treat soft tissue complications in complex zygomatic implant surgery.