Alternativas a la elevación de seno maxilar: Rehabilitación del sector posterior del maxilar atrófico mediante implantes pterigoideos

Abstract

The first and second molar are the teeth most commonly lost in the maxilla, mainly due to periodontal disease and excessive occlusal force.1 Although partial edentulism of the posterior maxilla is common, implants are seldom placed distal to the premolars because failure rates in the posterior maxilla have historically been high. Poor volume and low density of bone are the worst conditions for long-term anchorage in the maxilla.7 Moreover, bone under the maxillary sinus, in the atrophic maxilla, is usually insufficient to enable placement of 10 mm implants. Several techniques have been proposed to restore the atrophic posterior maxilla: short implants, prosthetic cantilevers, sinus bone graft, zigomatic fixtures. Pterygoid implants are other possible treatment of the atrophic edentulous posterior maxilla. Anchored in the cortical bone of the pterygoid process, such implants avoid the need for bone grafting and/or prosthetic cantilevering. The aim of this article is to analyst indications, surgical procedure, complications and survival rates of pterygoid implants in the posterior atrophic maxilla. © 2008 ergon.