Results of total maxillary edentulism rehabilitation protocol with implant-supported prostheses in the pterygomaxillary-pyramidal region as posterior anchorage loci

Abstract

Purpose: To present functional and esthetic success of a well-defined protocol for rehabilitation with implant-supported complete-arch prostheses in the treatment of patients with maxillary edentulism. Materials and Methods: Medical records of patients treated from 1990 to September 2014 were reviewed. This clinic history should include clinical, anatomicalfunctional, and esthetic data for at least the first 5 years of follow-up. Results: Two hundred eighty-two implants were inserted into the pterygomaxillary-pyramidal region in 141 edentulous patients using cylindrical osteotomes to form bone sites and thereby minimize the use of drills in bone preparation. Also, 580 implants were inserted in the premaxilla using lyophilized bone of bovine origin as a graft material and platelet-rich plasma for repairing small bone defects around implants and as a volume-generating material to support perioral structures. Of the 282 implants placed in the pterygomaxillary-pyramidal region, 272 survived (96.1% survival rate). The 10 failures occurred after being subjected to functional load. Of the 580 implants placed in the premaxilla, 19 implants failed; thus, the survival rate was 96.7%. Moreover, from the results obtained in the study sample, it was observed that the retention and stability obtained with the implant-supported prosthesis helps improve the ability to speak, swallow, and chew, which improves patient comfort and satisfaction. Conclusion: The rehabilitation of total maxillary edentulism with an implant-supported complete-arch prosthesis achieves a high level of functional and esthetic success, which is reflected directly in oral health and patient satisfaction.