One-year clinical outcomes of zygomatic and conventional implants with conical prosthetic connection in atrophic maxillae: A prospective study.

PURPOSE: This prospective clinical study with 1-year follow-up aimed to evaluate marginal bone remodeling, survival, and success rates of zygomatic implants featuring a conical internal prosthetic connection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen edentulous patients with atrophic maxillae received implant-supported complete-arch fixed dental prosthesis supported by 36 zygomatic and 28 conventional implants. Marginal bone levels were assessed via intraoral radiographs (mesial/distal) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) (buccal/palatal) at baseline, 6 months (T6), and 12 months (T12) after loading, using standardized imaging protocols. Patient satisfaction was evaluated by OHIP-EDENT questionnaire. Finally, implant and prosthesis success and survival rates were registered.

RESULTS: Marginal bone level remained stable in zygomatic implants over 12 months. In contrast, conventional implants showed higher initial bone level (1.15 ± 1.44; p = 0.02), with significant reductions at 6 months (0.78 ± 0.90; p = 0.01) and 12 months (0.24 ± 0.97; p < 0.001). Both implant types achieved 100% survival and success in 12 months. No complications were reported in either group. Prosthesis survival was 100% in 12 months, while success rates were 56.25% in 6 months and 81.25% at 12 months. OHIP-EDENT score significantly decreased from 17.44 ± 7.41 at baseline to 1.94 ± 3.34 in 6 months (p < 0.001), remaining low at 2.63 ± 4.06 in 12 months, indicating sustained patient satisfaction.

CONCLUSION: Zygomatic implants with conical prosthetic connections demonstrate stable marginal bone levels and high survival and success rates over 12 months. Both implant types exhibited favorable bone remodeling when using a morse tapper connection.