Primary vs secondary zygomatic implant placement in patients with head and neck cancer-A 10-year prospective study.

Background: Zygomatic implants can provide excellent remote anchorage to support the prosthetic rehabilitation of patients treated for maxillary and midfacial tumors.

Methods: Patients who underwent zygomatic implant placement by the author between 2006 and 2016 as part of their oncology treatment were followed prospectively.

Results: Forty-nine consecutively treated patients received 131 zygomatic implants of which 9 failed and were removed from 4 patients; 24 patients (49%) received radiotherapy either before or after implant insertion. The overall 12-month survival estimate was 94% and the 60-month estimate was 92%.

Conclusions: The use of zygomatic implants in the management of maxillary and midfacial malignancy is a predictable prosthetic treatment modality to support complex oral and facial prostheses. Their use with or without free tissue transfer can provide effective prosthetic rehabilitation with high implant survival irrespective of the timing of placement or the need for adjuvant radiotherapy.

Clinical Significance: Zygomatic Implants provide an excellent platform for the restoration of the dentition and facial structures affected by maxillary and midfacial malignant disease.