What is a Zygomatic Implant?
Zygomatic implants are a type of implant that are recommended for patients who no longer have the requisite bone height of around 10mm to ensure the survival of a traditional implant. This is especially common among patients who have a tooth or teeth missing for some time, which eventually causes the jawbone to begin to deteriorate. Additional reasons why bone loss may occur is due to trauma, tumor resection, or a natural consequence of aging. Regardless of the underlying reason, while a bone graft or sinus lift procedure can be performed to restore the bone to an adequate height, this process is costly, extends the length of treatment time, restricts denture wear, and comes with the risk of complications such as graft rejection and/or morbidity of the donor surgical site.
Zygomatic implants offer a safe and effective alternative treatment option that eliminates the need for either of these procedures. The zygomatic arch is a dense, cortical facial bone that can provide anchorage for longer dental implants. Because Zygomatic implants are longer than traditional implants (30 to 52.5 mm), they provide a more stable and stronger position in the bone and provide a viable treatment option for patients with significant bone loss who may have been told that dental implants were not an option for them. Additionally, because of the wide stress distribution and enhanced anchorage that these implants provide, it is often possible for a prosthesis to be placed immediately after surgery.
The Zygomatic implant is a complex procedure, but one that yields many benefits, including a return to normal quality of life and a significantly shorter period of time required to complete the dental implant process. Given the complexity of this procedure, however, there are several steps that need to be taken prior to placement of the implant.
Zygomatic Implant Procedural Steps
The first step of the Zygomatic implant process is to schedule a free consultation with our office. At this consultation, we will perform a thorough evaluation of your overall oral health and determine any underlying conditions that need to first be addressed. Next, we will take a 3D cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan which will provide us with 3D images that allow us to determine the optimal placement of your implant.
On the day of your procedure, we will administer a local anesthetic and dental sedation to ensure you are as comfortable as possible. Once these have taken effect, our dental implant surgeon will insert the Zygomatic implant through the alveolar crest and maxillary sinus and anchor it to your cheek bone, after which your fixed teeth are placed. Following this, we will provide aftercare instructions and schedule a follow up appointment within six months or sooner if necessary.
If you have any additional questions about Zygomatic implants, would like to learn more about our clinic and services, or schedule a free Zygomatic Implant consultation, contact us today at (727) 877-0011 or fill out an online form at https://coastaljaw.com/contact-us//
At Coastal Jaw Surgery, we are committed to improving your oral health, aesthetic appearance of your smile, and overall quality of life!