Quad Zygomatic Implants: A Graftless Solution to the Atrophic Edentulous Maxilla

Abstract

Oral rehabilitation of atrophic edentulous maxilla poses a great challenge to both surgeons and prosthodontists. Although procedures like sinus augmentation and bone grafts are of routine use to increase bone volume to allow anchorage, the long duration of the wait for rehabilitation during graft consolidation and the healing period has resulted in a shift of focus from maxilla to zygoma for anchorage. Zygoma implant has proven to be an effective management option for atrophic edentulous maxilla as well as for maxillectomy defect. Apart from relieving surgeons from the hassles of graft harvesting and donor site morbidity, excellent initial stability offered by zygoma implant allows immediate loading resulting in the early return of function and esthetics of the oral cavity. Severe resorption of alveolar bone in all three zones of the maxilla (anterior, premolar, molar) can either be managed by a combination of two zygoma implants with two anterior implants or via quad zygoma. We present a case of a 42-year completely edentulous male who presented for fixed full mouth rehabilitation. This paper aims to highlight the use of quad zygomatic implants for the rehabilitation of the atrophic edentulous maxilla.