Buccal Fat Pad vs. Palatal Rotation Scarf Grafts for Soft Tissue Management Around Zygomatic Implants: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Launched by CAIRO UNIVERSITY · May 5, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is comparing two different methods for improving soft tissue around zygomatic implants, which are special dental implants used for patients with significant bone loss in the upper jaw. The two techniques being studied are the use of buccal fat pads (a cushion of fat from the cheek) and palatal rotation scarf grafts (a technique that uses tissue from the roof of the mouth). The goal is to find out which method works better for helping patients heal and achieve a better outcome after getting these implants.

To participate in this trial, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a severely atrophic (meaning a lot of bone has been lost) upper jaw that cannot be treated with standard dental implants. It's also important to be in good overall health and committed to maintaining good oral hygiene. Participants will undergo the chosen procedure and be monitored for healing and improvement in their oral function. This trial aims to help improve dental treatments for patients who have lost a significant amount of bone in their upper jaw.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patient of age 18 years or more, who can understand and sign an informed consent.
• • 2. Patients with severely atrophic edentulous upper arch (Cawood \& Howell class IV, V, VI) that could not be restored by standard axial implants without augmentation.
• • 3. Patients with severely atrophic edentulous upper arch (Bedrossian classification inadequate bone in zones II or III or all three zones) that could not be restored by standard axial implants without augmentation.
• • 4. Good systemic health (ASA score I-II)
• • 5. Highly motivated patients with good compliance to oral hygiene habits.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patients with cardiovascular disease or pulmonary disease or medical systemic condition that does not permit the surgical procedure under general anesthesia (ASA III, IV, V and VI).
• • 2. Patients with conditions contraindicating implant placement (e.g.: radiation to the head and neck, intra-venous bisphosphonates, uncontrolled Diabetes mellitus).
• • 3. Heavy smokers. (\> 20 cigarettes daily)
• • 4. Patient with psychiatric problems, severe bruxism, or other parafunctional habits.
• • 5. Acute maxillary sinus infection or untreated maxillary sinus cyst.
• • 6. Malignancy or pathology in Maxilla or Zygoma.