A RETROSPECTIVE MULTICENTRIC STUDY OF 56 PATIENTS TREATED WITH 92 PTERYGOID IMPLANTS FOR PARTIAL/FULL ARCH IMPLANT SUPPORTED FIXED REHABILITATION: IMPLANT AND PROSTHESIS SUCCESS RATE

In the case of severe atrophic patients, the search for native bone can be extended beyond the anatomical limits of the oral cavity. So remote anchorage solutions could involve the pterygomaxillary complex composed of the maxillary tuberosity, the pyramidal process of the palatine bone and the pterygoid pillar. Pterygoid implants are typically placed in this zone to rehabilitate patients affected by severe maxillary atrophy. This study's aim consists of the surgical and prosthetic success rate evaluation concerning the pterygoid implants placed to support fixed partial or full arch rehabilitation without a cantilever. All team members designed and conceived this retrospective multicenter study (performed in three different clinical offices) to evaluate the reliability and predictability of this anatomically guided surgical tecnique without immediate loading. The study was successful with 100 per cent surgical success and all torque values >=45 N/cm considered as a threshold value. The series comprised 56 people who underwent 92 procedures. The male-to-female ratio was close to one (27 men, 29 women). The mean age (± SD) was 64.0±9.3 years (range 41-85 years). Only one prosthetic failure was recorded in a woman aged 67 years receiving a full arch pterygoid implant. Pterygoid implants supported by fixed rehabilitation represent a reliable strategic solution for treating severe atrophic posterior maxilla.