Zygomatic implants in the rehabilitation of severe maxillary atrophy: A retrospective study of 274 zygomatic implants with a mean follow-up period of 7.5 years.

This article focuses on the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of zygomatic implants used to rehabilitate patients with severe maxillary atrophy, classified as Class V or VI according to Cawood and Howell. A retrospective study of 78 patients receiving 274 zygomatic implants over a mean follow-up of 7.5 years reported an implant survival rate of 93.8% and a prosthetic success rate of 92.3%. Smoking, bicortical anchorage, and soft tissue complications were significantly associated with higher implant failure rates. The study also found a significant increase in maxillary sinus radiopacity post-surgery, particularly with intrasinus implant pathways, indicating potential sinus alterations. The authors emphasize the necessity of careful case selection, specialized surgical expertise, regular follow-up visits, and stringent oral hygiene maintenance to manage complications and optimize outcomes.