The East Coast experience: The zygomatic solution – should it be the first choice?

The atrophic maxilla presents a significant challenge to the surgical and restorative team. Patients seek a long- term solution in the restoration of function, esthetics, and ultimately their quality of life. Prosthetic rehabilitation of patients with severe maxillary bone resorption is often challenging due to the inability to obtain sufficient skeletal anchorage. The utilization of osseous support beyond the immediate oral cavity supplies predictable expeditious return to function, shortening treatment times. The surgical and restorative goal is to achieve anatomically consistent implant placement, thus maximizing esthetics and function within the “normal” alveolar tooth envelope. The Brånemark System® Zygoma implant allows for shortened surgical sequences and reduced treatment time - while meeting the patients’ expectations of success. This discussion focuses on the utilization of the zygomatic implant using an immediate-load protocol. The team approach in utilizing a prosthetic-driven treatment plan is highlighted. The lecture reviews one patient treatment and report on a cohort of patients with five years of follow-up.

Dr. Jay Neugarten graduated class valedictorian and is a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon from the Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery. He completed his residency in oral and maxillofacial surgery at North Shore University–Long Island Jewish Medical Center, and earned his medical degree at Stony Brook School of Medicine. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Dr. Neugarten is also an associate clinical professor at both New York Hospital Cornell–Weil Medical Center and North Shore University–Long Island Jewish Medical Center, where he is an active educator of residents. Dr. Neugarten has lectured both nationally and internationally on implant reconstruction. He specializes in bringing a multidisciplinary approach to complex implant and bone grafting reconstruction, as well as in the treatment of patients with skeletal facial and craniofacial deformities, utilizing corrective jaw surgery and distraction osteogenesis. 

Dr. Frank Tuminelli received his dental degree and specialty training in prosthodontics from Fairleigh Dickenson University School of Dental Medicine. Dr. Tuminelli is a diplomate of the American Board of Prosthodontics. He is the program director for graduate prosthodontics at New York Hospital Queens (member of the Presbyterian Healthcare System). He served as the program director of advanced prosthodontics and implantology, for the NSHLIJ Health System. Currently he is the president of the American College of Prosthodontists, and past president of The Greater New York Academy of Prosthodontics. Dr. Tuminelli served as the team dentist for the New York Islanders for ten years. He lectures locally and nationally, and has authored/ coauthored multiple scientific papers. He maintains a private practice limited to prosthodontics on Long Island.