When Traditional Dental Implants Fail: How Zygomatic Implants Open New Doors to a Complete Smile
For many patients facing severe bone loss in the upper jaw, the dream of fixed teeth may seem impossible. Traditional dental implants require sufficient jawbone density to anchor properly, but excessive bone resorption combined with poor bone quality and increased maxillary sinus pneumatization often making it impossible to place conventional dental implants in the posterior maxilla. This is where zygomatic dental implants emerge as a revolutionary solution, offering hope to patients who have been told they’re not candidates for conventional implant treatment.
Understanding Zygomatic Dental Implants
Zygomatic implants are a specialized type of dental implant designed for patients who lack sufficient bone in the upper jaw, particularly in the posterior region near the molars. Instead of being anchored into the jawbone, zygomatic implants are longer and are anchored directly into the zygomatic (cheek) bone, which is denser and more robust than the jawbone. More specifically, zygomatic implants are implanted into the zygomatic bone, more commonly known as the cheekbone. Compared to the maxillary bone, the zygomatic bone is much denser and provides a solid anchor point for the implant.
Unlike traditional implants that mimic the size and shape of natural tooth roots, zygomatic implants are tilted and much longer than those used in traditional dental implant procedures. While traditional implants are placed in the jawbone, surgeons utilize the zygomatic implant’s length to securely place them in the patient’s cheekbone (zygoma).
Who Benefits from Zygomatic Implants?
Zygomatic implants are typically recommended for patients who have severe bone loss in the upper jaw and are not good candidates for traditional dental implants. Several conditions make patients ideal candidates for this treatment:
- Patients who fit this description typically have periodontal disease that has advanced to the point that bacteria have infected and weakened the jawbone
- Some patients have bone loss due to long-term use of removable dentures, which fail to stimulate the jawbone enough to prevent bone resorption and shrinkage over time
- The ideal candidate for zygomatic implants is someone who needs to replace teeth but has experienced an extensive loss of the supporting bone that’s necessary to support a traditional design. Perhaps their bone loss is because of extensive periodontal disease or from wearing a removable denture (or partial) for many, many years
It’s important to note that if you only need one or a few teeth replaced, this is not a solution for you. These specialized implants are life-changing for patients who have moderate, advanced and extreme resorption in the maxilla. In other words, zygomatic implants can replace all of your upper teeth despite having severe bone loss in your upper jaw.
Key Advantages of Zygomatic Implants
Zygomatic implants offer several compelling benefits over traditional approaches:
No Bone Grafting Required: They are often used as an alternative to bone grafting procedures or for patients who want to avoid the lengthy healing times associated with traditional methods. No Bone Grafting Required: Unlike traditional implants, zygomatic implants don’t require bone grafting or sinus lifts. When we use your zygomatic bone, there is no need to graft additional bone tissue into your jaw bone for implant placement. This allows for graftless dental implants sooner while also strengthening your upper jaw.
Same-Day Treatment: You can now get a new smile in one day with no need for bone grafts or sinus lifts. Zygomatic implants nowadays are usually immediately loaded with a fixed bridge, meaning patients can leave with functional teeth on the same day as surgery.
High Success Rate: Zygomatic implants have a high success rate of 98.5%. When placed by experienced professionals and with proper post-surgery care, they offer a reliable and effective solution for individuals facing severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
Durability: Just as with traditional dental implants, zygomatic implants can last a lifetime, as long as you follow your provider’s instructions for daily maintenance, professional cleanings and periodic dental checkups.
The Treatment Process
The zygomatic implant procedure requires careful planning and expertise. Due to the long drilling distance to the zygomatic bone and in order to protect critical adjacent anatomical structures, placement of zygomatic implants requires considerable surgical training and experience and meticulous diagnostic planning. To receive an adequate overview over the anatomical structures, presurgical 3D planning with CT or CBCT scans is a must.
Before the procedure, a CT scan and 3D imaging are conducted. These detailed scans help the dental team plan the implant placement precisely. This thorough preparation contributes to the success of the procedure. To ensure patient comfort, zygomatic implant procedures are typically performed under intravenous (IV) sedation. This helps the patient relax and minimizes any discomfort during the process.
Recovery and Expectations
Recovery from the zygomatic dental implant procedure is very similar to the traditional dental implant procedure. The ease of recovery surprises many of our patients. Some patients experience bruising around the lower eyelids. Generally, 3-5 days after the procedure you will be able to return to your normal routine.
Compared to some other dental procedures, the recovery time for zygomatic implants is relatively quick. Patients can expect minimal downtime, allowing them to resume regular activities soon after the procedure.
Finding Qualified Care in Putnam County
When considering zygomatic implants, it’s crucial to work with experienced professionals. There are few surgeons in the world who have the skills and qualifications to competently place zygomatic implants. We have some of the most experienced surgeons for this technique, on a daily basis providing this treatment to patients who suffer from severe bone loss.
For residents seeking advanced dental implant solutions, Dental Implants Putnam County services are available through experienced practitioners like Dr. Scott Kupetz, who has been serving the community for over 30 years. Over the past 30 years, Dr. Kupetz and his staff have provided premium dental care to Putnam County residents. To achieve exceptional results, we use the most advanced tools and technologies and use the most advanced techniques.
He graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson College of Dental Medicine in 1988 and has been practicing dentistry since then. He has tremendous experience and extensive training in helping his patients achieve a beautiful smile. The practice emphasizes high-quality, compassionate care in a friendly and safe setting, ensuring patients receive personalized attention throughout their treatment journey.
Making the Right Choice
Zygomatic implants represent a significant advancement in dental implant technology, providing solutions for patients previously considered untreatable with conventional methods. Zygomatic implants provide an efficient and effective alternative for patients who would otherwise not qualify for traditional implants. Traditional dental and zygomatic implants offer life-changing solutions for restoring missing teeth, but they serve different purposes depending on the patient’s oral health needs.
If you’ve been told that traditional dental implants aren’t possible due to bone loss, don’t give up hope. Zygomatic implants may be the key to restoring your smile, confidence, and quality of life. Consult with qualified professionals to determine if this innovative treatment is right for your specific situation.