journal article·2026-02-26Open access

Digital Design of Juxta-Osseous Subperiosteal Implant Rehabilitation for Severe Maxillary Atrophy

Agron Meto, Emanuele Morella, Algen Isufi, Aida Meto

Applied Sciences· Volume 16· Issue 5

Abstract

Background: Rehabilitation of the severely atrophic maxilla remains a major challenge in implant dentistry, particularly when conventional endosseous implants and regenerative procedures are contraindicated due to extensive bone loss, sinus pathology, or patient-related factors. Advances in digital planning and additive manufacturing have enabled the reintroduction of juxta-osseous subperiosteal implants as a graftless, patient-specific treatment option. This case report aimed to describe the complete digital workflow, surgical placement, and immediate prosthetic rehabilitation of a customized juxta-osseous subperiosteal implant in a patient with severe posterior maxillary atrophy and a history of failed sinus augmentation procedures. Case Presentation: A 75-year-old male patient presenting with left severe posterior maxillary atrophy and previous unsuccessful sinus lift surgeries was rehabilitated using a digitally designed, additively manufactured titanium subperiosteal implant. Cone-beam computed tomography–based planning and CAD–CAM technology were used to design a patient-specific framework, which was rigidly fixed to stable maxillofacial support and immediately loaded with a screw-retained provisional prosthesis. Results: Clinical and radiographic follow-up demonstrated stable implant fixation, soft tissue healing, absence of biological or mechanical complications, and satisfactory functional and aesthetic outcomes. The patient reported high levels of comfort and satisfaction throughout the treatment period. Conclusions: Digitally manufactured juxta-osseous subperiosteal implants may represent a predictable and minimally invasive graftless alternative for selected patients with severe maxillary atrophy, particularly when conventional implant placement or extensive bone augmentation is not feasible. Accurate digital planning, rigid fixation, and appropriate patient selection appear to be key factors for clinical success.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Dental Implant Techniques and Outcomes · Sinusitis and nasal conditions · Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Department of Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, University of Aldent, 1007 Tirana, Albania

Private Practice, 20099 Sesto San Giovanni, Italy

Department of Oro-Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Aldent University, 1005 Tirana, Albania

Oral & Maxillofacial (OMF) Surgery Service, “Mother Theresa” University Hospital Centre, 372 Tirana, Albania

Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphological Sciences with Interest in Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy

Department of Dental Research Cell, Dr. D. Y. Patil Dental College and Hospital, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pimpri, Pune 411018, India

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