PubMed ID (PMID): 17465343Pages 195-200, Language: EnglishValeron, Jesus Fernandez / Valeron, Pilar F.
Purpose: To present the long-term results for screw-type implants consecutively placed in the pterygomaxillary-pyramidal region in the treatment of patients with posterior maxillary edentulism. Materials and Methods: One hundred fifty-two implants were inserted in 92 partially edentulous patients using cylindric osteotomes as bone-site formers, thus minimizing the use of drills in the bone preparation.
Results: The 152 implants placed were loaded for an average of 89.7 ± 30.7 months. There were a total of 8 failures; 6 took place between implant placement and prosthesis delivery (early failures), and 2 failed in following functional loading. The overall survival rate was 94.7%.
Discussion: Cylindric osteotomes allow the surgeon to accurately place implants. The use of surgical drilling was minimized, resulting in lowered surgical risk and diminished bone loss.
Conclusion: Implant placement in the posterior pterygomaxillary region using cylindric osteotomes for osteotomy preparation resulted in an implant survival rate of 94.7%.
Keywords: low-risk surgical techniques, pterygomaxillary-pyramidal region, screw-type implants, sinus grafting