Zygomatic implants for rehabilitation of patients with oncologic and congenital defects: A case series

Abstract

This case series aimed to assess the clinical outcomes of oncologic patients rehabilitated with a zygomatic implant-supported prosthesis. Ten oncologic patients who underwent upper jaw resections due to cancer were enrolled in the study. Zygomatic implants were utilized for rehabilitation according to specified inclusion criteria. Surgical and prosthetic procedures were standardized, and implant and prosthetic survival rates, along with complications, were evaluated. The study cohort comprised 10 patients with a mean age of 66.5 years. A total of 35 implants were placed, with a survival rate of 94.29% at the mean follow-up of 5.78 years. Biological complications affected 40% of patients, while prosthetic complications occurred in 40% of patients, necessitating modifications but with no outright failures. Zygomatic implants offer a viable solution for oncologic patient rehabilitation, particularly in cases where bone grafting is contraindicated or impractical. However, they present medium-to long-term complications that warrant careful consideration. Future research should focus on larger studies and meta-analyses to provide more robust evidence.