Preventing and avoiding complications with zygomatic implants: Biomechanical principles emphasized

Establishing posterior support in the edentulous maxilla is often challenging due to pneumatization of the maxillary sinuses. In order to reconstruct the patients with existing edentulous maxilla or with terminal dentition, the use of the zygoma concept has been well accepted by many implant teams. In order to prevent complications using the zygoma implant, the surgeon must have command of the proper biomechanical principles which allow favorable distribution of the functional forces when preparing the osteotomy for the zygoma implant.

This presentation will discuss the zygoma round and the zygoma flat implants and emphasize the importance of quad-cortical stabilization of the zygoma implant when possible. The importance of maintaining the crestal alveolar bone will be emphasized. The design of the apical portion, the mid-shaft as well as the zygoma implant platform will be presented in order to allow the contemporary surgeon to provide the best treatment for their patients using the zygoma and immediate loading concepts.

Learning points:

• Understanding the design modifications of the zygoma implant.
• Understanding the anatomy of the maxillofacial anatomy and the paranasal sinuses.
• Understanding the biomechanical principles of functional support when using the zygoma implant.