Zygoma Implant-Supported Prosthetic Rehabilitation of a Patient After Subtotal Bilateral Maxillectomy

This clinical report describes the successful implant-supported prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient who underwent subtotal bilateral maxillectomy for an oral squamous cell carcinoma with a consequent wide defect interesting the whole hard palate and most of the soft palate, causing a large opening that directly connects the oral cavity to the nasal fossa bilaterally. The innovative aspect of this case is represented by the realization of an obturator prosthesis supported by just 3 zygoma implants. The maxillary bone had been largely excised by radical surgery. Despite the resection had a complete oncological success and the patient was free of disease after 24 months' follow-up, the patient experienced severe speech and deglutition deficit due to the iatrogenic large oro-antral communication. Three zygoma implants have been positioned, 2 through the right maxillary bone and, owing the wide lack of bone, just 1 on the left side. No mucogingival surgery was necessary around the zygoma implants. The obturator prosthesis was stabilized by the 3 implants and the patient's oral function as well as quality of life widely improved. The results show that zygoma implants could represent a viable surgical option to obtain a satisfactory oral function rehabilitation even in case of extensive maxillary defect.