Maxillary zygomatic hexagonal implant system (MZH system) for severe resorption: a new technique.

INTRODUCTION: The biomechanical demands of the severely resorbed maxilla have prompted the search for alternative points of anchorage for zygomatic implants that allows stabilizing a prosthesis in young patients (30 years old or more) for restitution of function and form. The purpose of this study is to describe the protocol of zygomatic hexagonal implants in patients with severe maxillary bone resorption.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients with severe maxillary resorption were treated with hexagonal implants system, they were evaluated at the preoperative and the postoperative periods for a minimal of 24 months, and the evaluation was clinical and trough conventional radiographs and CT scans. Six implants according to prosthetic prior planning were placed in each patient. Anteroposterior severely resorbed maxilla was evidence. Patients were rehabilitated with immediate provisional prosthesis. Ten days after surgery, definitive prosthesis metal structures were designed and adapted.

RESULTS: Force distribution and load concentration were balanced; adjustment of the metal bar was passive. Correction of skeletal relationship was evident. No fatigue in the later additions in controls was observable. No complications were found in the immediate postoperative period and late (6-24 months), no patients dropped out from the study, and all were followed up to 24 months.

CONCLUSIONS: The zygomatic hexagonal implants' protocol guarantees barrier function, biomechanical stability, load distribution, and preventing fatigue bone/implant interface, which allows distributing of the forces through the pillars, anterior masticatory load reduction, and correcting the skeletal class III type which occurs in patients with severe resorption.