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.