Implant options for maxillary posterior resorbed ridges: Basics to beyond

Most challenging area of: Oral cavity to place implants is maxillary posterior region. Factors leading to failure of implants in this region include; unfavorable anatomical region, decreased bone quality, resorbtion pattern following tooth loss and enlargement of antrum with age. One of the options for rehabilitating posterior maxillary resorbed ridges was the use of posterior cantilever on implant prosthesis. But cantilever are avoided for they lead to, screw loosening, fracture and bone loss. This following paper reviews all basic and advanced implant options for maxillary posterior resorbed ridges. Purpose: The standard of care regarding tooth loss replacement is evolving towards the use of dental implants. The practice of fixed bridges and partial prosthesis can be and are iatrogenic to the existing teeth and bone. Because of this principle the emphasis has focused on optimization of the alveolus to receive a root form implant. Dental implants are a viable treatment option when there is sufficient quantity and quality of bone to achieve the desired functional and esthetic results. Initially, malposition or short implants were used in areas of deficient bone volume. This often resulted in compromised prosthetic design and poor long term treatment outcomes. Therefore, the procedures for bone augmentation and implants options for posterior maxillary resorbed ridges are put forward in this the review. Materials and method: This theoretical and review paper focuses on bone augmentations procedures and implant options for maxillary posterior resorbed ridges. Results: Although the management of posterior maxillae presents many challenges for implant practitioners, progress on no of the fronts have made it increasingly possible to create successful bone anchored restorations in this region predictably. Conclusion: When atleast 8mm of bone is available then conventional implant can be planned, if not, variety of bone augmentation procedures are employed. Alternatively the use of implants which draw support from more distant bony sites such as pterygomaxillarysite, zygomatic bone have also been proven successful.