Zygomatic Implants for Restoration of Complex Nasal Defects – A Case Report and Outcome

Abstract

Total rhinectomy defects pose a challenge for the reconstructive surgeon, but since the introduction of osseointegrated implants, maxillofacial implant–retained prosthetic rehabilitation has provided the patient with an alternative option that has an excellent cosmetic result. Traditionally, zygomatic implants are used for prosthodontic restoration in patients with severely atrophic maxilla or to retain an obturator after tumor ablative surgery. More recently, the nonconventional use of zygomatic implants for retention of a nasal prosthesis has been reported in cases involving rhinectomy defects where the length of conventional dental implants is a limiting factor. In this article, we describe the use and value of transversely-oriented zygomatic implants in combination with an acrylic keeper and maxillary denture to optimize retention of a complex, multi-unit prosthesis in an edentulous patient with a total rhinectomy and upper lip defect.