Purpose: To report on the outcome of placement of two bilateral zygomatic implants with an immediately loaded prosthesis.
Materials and methods: A retrospective chart review was conducted of all patients treated with zygomatic implants between August 1, 2011 and June 6, 2016. All patients had at least two zygomatic implants placed bilaterally and immediately loaded with a provisional prosthesis the same day of implant placement. The implants were Nobel Biocare TiUnite or machined surface with lengths of 30 to 52.5 mm. All patients were treated by a team consisting of one surgeon, a restorative dentist or prosthodontist, an anesthesiologist, and a laboratory technician. Implant success was defined as successful integration of the implant; prosthetic success was defined as retention of the prosthesis under normal function.
Results: One hundred five zygomatic implants were placed and immediately loaded in 28 patients over a period of 1 to 60 months. Ages ranged from 46 to 81 years, with 26 female and 2 male patients. All the implants were placed by one surgeon. The immediate load on the day of implant placement was completed by either one of 2 prosthodontists or 11 restorative dentists. Implant success was 96% (101/105). All four failed implants were in one patient and were TiUnite surface coated.
Conclusion: This study demonstrated that two zygomatic implants bilaterally placed and immediately loaded with a full-arch splinted prosthesis will provide a predictable outcome.