Purpose: Epithetic solutions in the maxillofacial region are indicated if plastic surgery reconstruction is not a valid option for an extensive defect. The purpose of this study was to examine whether the extraoral implants used provided sufficient retention to be used as anchoring aids.
Materials and methods: Between November 1999 and September 2002, 33 identical modified Ankylos implants for extraoral anchorage were placed in 10 patients for the fixation of various epitheses in the midfacial (eye, nose) and ear regions in the course of a clinical trial.
Results: Over a follow-up period of 2 to 34 months, all implants remained osseointegrated (as confirmed radiographically), and the implants and epithetic restorations were clinically stable.
Discussion: The results demonstrated that the lasting retention of maxillofacial epitheses provided by implants assures patients that their epitheses are securely fixed.
Conclusion: The demonstrated extraoral implant system not only achieved sufficient osseointegration but also showed good clinical handling and easy fixation possibilities for epithetic anchorage.