SURGICAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR ENDOSSEOUS IMPLANTS IN THE CRANIOFACIAL REGION - A 3-YEAR REPORT

From 1987 to 1990, 28 patients were treated with titanium implants (Br anemark flange fixtures) in the craniofacial area for the support of c raniofacial prosthesis or anchorage of bone-conduction hearing aids in the Orofacial Implant Center at the University of California, Los Ang eles (UCLA). A total of 88 implants were placed, of which 22 were plac ed in previously irradiated areas. Twenty-three of the implants were p laced in the orbital area, 37 in the mastoid area, 20 in the nasal are a, and eight in various other craniofacial regions. Seven implants wer e lost in four different patients. The proper location and positioning of implants in specific areas of the craniofacial regions, as well as soft-tissue complications and management, are discussed.