Cost-effectiveness of the Flapless Insertion of Zygomatic Implants Using Dynamic Navigation - A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Introduction: Zygomatic implants are an effective solution for rehabilitation of edentulous atrophic maxillae. However, the conventional technique of zygomatic implant placement is invasive, requires a longer healing period and is economically cumbersome. Therefore, the flapless technique of insertion of zygomatic implants using dynamic navigation system has been introduced. This study aims to compare the cost-effectiveness of flapless insertion of zygomatic implants using dynamic navigation to the conventional flap technique. Materials and Methods: The study participants were divided into two groups: Group A (n = 20) included patients treated by flapless insertion of zygomatic implants using dynamic navigation and Group B (n = 20) included patients treated with zygomatic implants using the flap technique. An analysis of the effectiveness of the implants was done using the concept of quality-adjusted prosthesis years, and an analysis of the costs was done by evaluating the treatment costs at each step. The data were collected, and analysis was done using IBM SPSS software. The Kruskal–Wallis rank-sum test was employed to analyse variations in costs and effects between the two groups. Results: The study showed that the distribution of costs varies across both the categories of the procedure. Group B shows lesser cost-effectiveness as compared to Group A. Conclusion: The technique of flapless insertion of zygomatic implants is cost-effective. However, further studies considering factors such as time and cost of productivity evaluating the cost-effectiveness should be conducted.