Long-term results in placement of screw-type implants in the pterygomaxillary-pyramidal region

Abstract

Purpose: To present the long-term results for screw-type implants consecutively placed in the pterygomaxillary-pyramidal region in the treatment of patients with posterior maxillary edentulism. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifty-two implants were inserted in 92 partially edentulous patients using cylindric osteotomes as bone-site formers, thus minimizing the use of drills in the bone preparation. Results: The 152 implants placed were loaded for an average of 89.7 +/- 30.7 months. There were a total of 8 failures; 6 took place between implant placement and prosthesis delivery ( early failures), and 2 failed in following functional loading. The overall survival rate was 94.7%. Discussion: Cylindric osteotomes allow the surgeon to accurately place implants. The use of surgical drilling was minimized, resulting in lowered surgical risk and diminished bone loss. Conclusion: Implant placement in the posterior pterygomaxillary region using cylindric osteotomes for osteotomy preparation resulted in an implant survival rate of 94.7%.