Open AccessPTERYGOID PLATE IMPLANTS FOR THE REHABILITATION OF THE ATROPHIC POSTERIOR MAXILLA: SURGICAL TECHNIQUE AND REPORT OF CASES.
Author(s) -
Christina Tsami,
Kostas Alexandridis
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
archeia ellīnikīs stomatikīs kai gnathoprosōpikīs cheirourgikīs
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2241-5939
pISSN - 1108-829X
DOI - 10.54936/haoms231o9
Subject(s) - sinus lift , medicine , maxilla , dentistry , maxillary sinus , sinus (botany) , rehabilitation , prosthesis , orthodontics , surgery , botany , biology , genus , physical therapy
The rehabilitation of the atrophic posterior maxilla with dental implants is a challenging procedure due to various limitations. Low bone quality and quantity, the anatomy of the maxillary sinus and inaccessibility to the area, are the most frequent obstacles that surgeons have to overcome. Several surgical techniques have been used as a solution to this problem, such as sinus lift augmentation procedures with bone graft, guided bone regeneration, tilted implants, short implants, zygomatic implants and pterygoid plate implants. This case report presents the placement of implants in the pterygomaxillary region, aiming to restore the partially edentulous posterior maxilla in two patients, without any additional surgical procedures. The aim was to place a fixed dental prosthesis using a minimum invasive surgical protocol. The usual surgical technique had to be modified because of the anatomical limits encountered in that region, as the quality of bone and the extent of the maxillary sinus. A 30 years follow up is presented. Conclusion: In view of the clinical case follow up and the literature review that only minor surgical complications have been reported, it is concluded that pterygoid implants are a valid and safe solution for the rehabilitation of the edentulous posterior maxilla avoiding more invasive surgical procedures.