Zygoma implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation after partial maxillectomy using surgical navigation: a clinical report

The rehabilitation of patients with acquired defects of the maxilla is a challenge in terms of reestablishing oronasal separation. In most patients these goals are met by means of prosthetic rehabilitation with an obturator prosthesis. If the remaining dentition does not offer sufficient retention and support, the placement of zygoma implants can enhance the stability of the prosthesis. Due to the anatomic intricacies of the zygomatic bone and the implant length, computer-supported navigated implant placement can be advantageous. In the following clinical report, a diabetic patient with a status of posthemimaxillectomy secondary to aspergillusis infection is presented, in whom a zygoma implant was placed using a CT scan-based navigation system. A special retentive anchoring abutment was used to integrate the zygoma implant into a telescopic crown-retained denture on the residual dentition. This tooth-implant-supported obturator prosthesis restored function and phonetics, as well as esthetics, for this young patient.