Zygomatic implants are dental implants placed on your upper jaw when there is not enough bone quality for other types of implants.
Unlike traditional implants that anchor directly into your jawbone, zygomatic implants attach to a wider area, usually extending into the cheekbone to provide a strong foundation for dental prostheses. Its name comes from the cheekbone, also known as the zygomatic bone, used as the foundation for the procedure.
Zygomatic implants are a specialized type of implant solution that lets you regain a full set of teeth with extensive bone atrophy.
Unique benefits of zygomatic implants
Zygomatic implants have multiple benefits, including:
- Allow prosthetic treatment under complex conditions: While working with severe bone loss can be a challenge for traditional implants, zygomatic implants allow your dentist to recover complete dentures in your upper jaw with a few dental implants.
- Stability and support: Unlike other types of dental implants, zygomatic implants are typically placed into your cheekbone, providing exceptional stability and support for your prosthetic treatment.
- Shorter recovery and treatment time: Zygomatic implants are typically placed in one surgery, allowing shorter recovery and less discomfort. Also, its innovative approach eliminates the need for bone grafting or other additional procedures.
- Durability and longevity: Zygomatic implants are long-lasting and high-performance implants that allow you to obtain a new smile for a lifetime under the appropriate conditions.
Zygomatic vs. Traditional Dental Implants
- Bone Requirement: Zygomatic dental implants require less bone density compared to traditional implants.
- Procedure Time: Zygomatic implants often involve a shorter treatment time due to the elimination of bone grafting or sinus lifting.
- Stability: Both implants offer excellent stability, but zygomatic dental implants are known for their exceptional strength due to their placement into the zygoma.
- Anesthesia: traditional implants are inserted through local anesthesia, while zygomatic implants require sedation or general anesthesia.
- Suitability: Zygoma implants are typically indicated for patients with severe bone loss, while traditional implants are suitable for most situations.
Who is a Candidate for Zygomatic Implants?
The main factor to consider when choosing zygomatic implants is your jawbone quality.
You might be a good candidate for zygomatic implants if you have significant bone loss in your upper jaw. Bone loss is frequently caused by tooth loss or gum disease, making implant treatment more challenging.
Additionally, patients with a history of failed dental implants or those who wish to avoid bone grafting procedures may also benefit from zygomatic implants.
Conditions that may prevent someone from getting zygomatic implants
Your medical conditions significantly impact your implant process. Certain diseases can interfere with the implant placement and your healing.
Among these conditions, you can find uncontrolled diabetes, bone diseases like osteoporosis, active gum infections, and certain autoimmune disorders. Smoking can also negatively impact implant healing, putting your treatment at risk.
Consultation and evaluation process
Every dental implant requires a thorough evaluation before the process begins. This stage is essential to determine your compatibility with the treatment and gather indispensable information about your maxilla.
Also, your dentist discusses your treatment goals, medical history, and lifestyle factors to determine if zygomatic implants are the right choice for you.
The Zygomatic Implant Procedure
Preoperative preparations
Before your zygomatic implant surgery, your oral surgeon will create a detailed and customized treatment plan.
This stage usually involves a comprehensive dental exam, multiple X-rays, CT scans, and 3D imaging. With all this information, your dentist can assess your bone density and overall oral health.
Preoperative preparation also includes:
- Blood tests.
- Consultation with your physician, especially if you have underlying health conditions.
- Design and manufacturing of surgical guides.
- Treatment of previous dental conditions to guarantee good oral health in the weeks leading up to the procedure.
Step-by-step overview of the surgical procedure
The zygomatic implant surgery involves:
- Surgical Access: Creating an incision in the upper jaw to access the zygomatic bone.
- Implant Placement: Carefully inserting the implants through the maxillary bone into the zygomatic bone with specialized equipment and drills.
- Osseointegration: Allowing the implant to fuse with the bone for stability.
- Abutment Connection: Attaching a connective component to the implant after healing.
- Prosthetic Restoration: Placing your final denture to the abutments.
Anesthesia options and pain management during the procedure
Generally, zygomatic implant surgery is performed under two anesthetic methods:
- Sedation: using a potent medication before the procedure to induce a deep sleepy state. Unlike general anesthesia, you are still awake during deep sedation.
- General anesthesia: combining multiple drugs to induce a controlled sleep-alike unconscious state.
Both methods enable a painless procedure with minimal discomfort.
Recovery and Aftercare
Postoperative care instructions
Your home care after the surgery is crucial for successful healing. While you should expect some swelling, discomfort, and bruising, your dentist will provide specific instructions during the initial recovery period that typically include:
- Taking your medications
- Maintain a soft diet
- Keep good oral hygiene
- Avoid strenuous activities and excessive heat exposure.
Managing discomfort and swelling
Follow your dentist’s instructions and take your prescribed medications with rigor.
Also, you can use cold compresses over the affected area to help reduce swelling and pain.
Long-term maintenance and follow-up appointments
Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and ensure optimal results. This allows your dentist to spot any signs of complications.
Your oral hygiene practices are also essential to maintain the health of your implants and prevent potential issues. Keep brushing, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly.
Potential Risks and Complications
Common risks associated with zygomatic implants
Like any surgery, zygomatic implant procedures carry risks. Although they are uncommon, these may include infection, nerve damage, sinus issues, implant failure, and aesthetic concerns. Keep these factors in mind and discuss other doubts with your dentist before proceeding.
How to minimize the risk of complications
Following your specialist’s recommendations after your surgery is an excellent way to avoid complications. Healing and recovery are essential to increase the success rate of your treatment.
Avoid smoking and performing other activities that may impact your treatment negatively.
What to do in case of unexpected issues
Always contact your dentist if you notice breeding difficulties, excessive bleeding, significant face swelling, fever, or severe pain that does not respond to medication. Most frequent complications can be managed with early interventions.
FAQs
Do I need a surgery for each implant?
No. Usually, all zygomatic implants are placed in the same surgical intervention.
Can I get zygomatic implants on my mandible?
Zygomatic implants are only placed on the upper jaw to restore multiple missing teeth.
How long does it take for zygomatic implants to fully heal?
Osseointegration typically takes 3–6 months.
How long does the procedure take?
Due to its complexity, anesthesia, and strict protocol, it can last several hours.
Conclusion
Zygomatic implants offer a potential solution if you have severe bone loss. While they can significantly improve quality of life, it is crucial to balance the benefits against possible risks.
Consult your dentist to determine if zygomatic implants are the right choice for you.
