The severely atrophic maxilla: Decision making with zygomatic and pterygoid dental implants.

The severely atrophic maxilla can present with some challenges during treatment planning with communication between those performing the surgical and prosthetic aspects of the treatment as well as communication with the patient as to what is being suggested for treatment. This article simplifies the communication and understanding of treating the severely atrophic maxilla and based on the Bedrossian classification gives a guideline for the surgical approach to be adapted based on the patient residual anatomy.

Trans-sinus dental implants, for immediate placement when insufficient alveolar height is present: an alternative to zygomatic implants - surgical case series.

Low maxillary bone density associated with physiological bone remodeling and resorption accelerated by the presence or history of periodontal disease can prevent implant placement without either ridge and/or sinus augmentation in atrophic maxillary edentulous cases. As an alternative to avoid bone grafting and provide immediacy in restorative treatment care for the patient, remote anchorages to the basal bones of the maxilla of the patient are being used with zygomatic or pterygoid implants. The trans-sinus implant, when indicated can offer a reliable alternative to the zygomatic dental implant in that treatment of the severely edentulous maxilla. This approach is suggested in Bedrossian zones I and II atrophy and when an 'L' (or concave) anterior sinus wall anatomy is present. This approach will be discussed utilizing two case examples on how trans-sinus implants may be considered in treating the maxillary arch.