<i>in vitro</i> comparative evaluation of stress distribution around zygomatic versus conventional implants in atrophic maxilla.

Abstract

Severe maxillary atrophy restricts the conventional position of the implants because of insufficient bone height; the alternative anchorage systems like the zygomatic implants should be used. Therefore, it is of interest to compare the distribution of stress under zygomatic and conventional implant designs during simulated occlusive loading. Six maxillary models were tested in the von Mises stress, principal stress and microstrain when the forces are vertical and oblique. Quad-zygomatic arrangements were the least stressed and the most evenly distributed, being far within the range of physiological values. Zygomatic implants, particularly the quad-zygomatic configurations, have better biomechanics in atrophic maxillae than standard methods of implants.