Virtual surgical planned subperiosteal implants. 3 years of follow up. Tips and tricks for a proper management

Introduction

Severe maxillary atrophy presents significant challenges in oral rehabilitation, particularly for patients refusing conventional bone augmentation procedures. This study evaluates the 3-year clinical outcomes of digitally planned subperiosteal implants in 12 cases of extreme atrophy (Class V and VI of the Cawood and Howell Classification), analyzing survival rates, complication patterns, and providing evidence-based technical recommendations.

Materials and methods

A retrospective case series included patients with maxillary atrophy who declined conventional implants or bone grafting, opting instead for immediate loading under local anesthesia. Virtual planning (facial CT/intraoral scans) guided the fabrication of custom frameworks, fixed via self-tapping screws after osteotomy. Complications were analyzed using frequency-based methods.

Results

All 12 cases achieved immediate prosthetic loading (24 h post-surgery). Complications occurred in 4/12 of cases, including framework exposure (2 cases, managed conservatively), postoperative bleeding (1 anticoagulated patient), and one implant failure due to inadequate bone reshaping (successfully revised). The 3-year survival rate was 91.7 %.

Conclusions

Virtually planned subperiosteal implants offer a reliable alternative for severe atrophy when patients refuse general anesthesia or extended healing periods. Key recommendations include avoiding lateral incisions, using dual surgical guides, and pre-drilling pilot holes. While complications were observed in one-third of cases, they were typically manageable and did not compromise long-term function. Subperiosteal implants represent a viable option for immediate rehabilitation in carefully selected patients when combined with meticulous planning and execution.