Zygomatic Implants

Usually, after extracting a tooth, the bone that held the tooth starts to shrink.

In some cases, the shrinkage is severe, resulting in insufficient bone to hold a dental implant. This usually means a sinus lift and bone graft are required to build up bone structure and achieve better stability. In certain cases, we can place longer Zygomatic implants into the cheekbone, giving better stability and strength to hold an implant-retained bridge and thus sometimes negating the need for a bone graft. Zygomatic implants are placed carefully to avoid the sinuses and eliminate the need for sinus lifts.

A zygomatic implant is a type of dental implant that’s used to replace missing teeth in patients with severe bone loss in their upper jaw. Zygomatic implants are longer than traditional implants and are placed at an angle into the cheekbone, also known as the zygomatic bone. The longer length of the implant allows it to anchor into the denser cheekbone, which provides a stable foundation for replacement teeth.

Zygomatic implants are an alternative to bone grafting and can provide a stable and long-lasting solution. They also have a relatively speedy recovery time, with dentures often being fitted on the same day as surgery.

Zygomatic implants offer a transformative solution for patients with severe bone loss in the upper jaw, enabling them to receive fixed prosthetics without the need for complex bone grafting procedures. The quick recovery time, immediate functionality, and high success rates make this an attractive option for those seeking to restore their smile and dental function. However, due to the complexity of the procedure, it is crucial to choose a skilled dental professional to ensure the best outcomes.

Zygomatic implants are a type of dental implant specifically designed for patients who have insufficient bone mass in their upper jaw (maxilla) to support traditional dental implants. Unlike conventional implants, which are anchored in the jawbone, zygomatic implants are longer and are secured in the zygomatic bone, also known as the cheekbone. This method allows for the stable placement of dental prosthetics without the need for bone grafting, which is typically required when there is significant bone loss in the upper jaw.

Key features and benefits

Designed for severe bone loss

Zygomatic implants are particularly beneficial for patients who suffer from severe maxillary bone resorption due to factors like long-term tooth loss, trauma, or periodontal disease. These patients may not have enough bone in the upper jaw to support standard implants without additional procedures, such as bone grafts or sinus lifts, which can add complexity, cost, and recovery time.

Alternative to bone grafting

One of the main advantages of zygomatic implants is that they provide an alternative to bone grafting. Since the implants are anchored in the dense zygomatic bone, patients can avoid lengthy bone regeneration procedures. This makes the treatment faster and can often be completed in a single surgical procedure.

Immediate load function

In many cases, zygomatic implants allow for the placement of a fixed dental prosthesis (such as a full-arch bridge) immediately after the surgery. This “teeth in a day” approach means that patients can leave the clinic with a functional set of teeth, enhancing their quality of life from day one without waiting months for the healing process associated with traditional implants.

Indications for use

Zygomatic implants are ideal for:

• Patients with severe maxillary atrophy (significant bone loss in the upper jaw).
• Patients who have undergone previous failed implant procedures.
• Those who wish to avoid bone grafting procedures.
• Individuals are looking for quicker rehabilitation with fewer surgeries.

The Procedure

The placement of zygomatic implants requires unique skills, often performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons or prosthodontists with advanced training in implantology. The procedure involves inserting long titanium implants through the maxilla and into the zygomatic bone. Depending on the patient’s specific needs, one or more zygomatic implants can be placed, often combined with traditional implants in the front of the jaw, to create a stable foundation for prosthetic teeth.

The procedure typically follows these steps:

• Assessment and Planning: Detailed scans, such as a cone beam CT scan, are taken to assess the anatomy of the patient’s facial bones and to plan the precise placement of the implants.
• Implant Placement: During surgery, the zygomatic implants are anchored into the zygomatic bone, while additional implants might be placed in the front part of the jaw if there is enough bone present.
• Prosthetic Placement: In most cases, a temporary set of teeth is attached to the implants on the same day or shortly after, allowing the patient to regain function quickly.
• Healing and Final Prosthetics: After a few months of healing, a final, custom-made prosthesis is attached to the implants for long-term use.

For more information regarding this treatment

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