Severe bone loss in the upper jaw can make traditional dental implant placement difficult or require extensive bone grafting before treatment can begin. Zygomatic implants provide another option by using the strong cheekbone, or zygomatic bone, to support a full-arch dental restoration.
When Are Zygomatic Implants Used?
Zygomatic implants are primarily used for patients with significant bone loss in the upper jaw who do not have enough bone to support conventional dental implants. They may be considered for patients who:
- Have severe upper jaw bone loss: Significant resorption of the maxilla can leave insufficient bone for conventional implant placement.
- Have experienced unsuccessful bone grafting: Zygomatic implants may provide another treatment option when previous grafting procedures have not produced enough bone for implant placement.
- Want to avoid extensive bone grafting: In appropriate cases, anchoring implants in the zygomatic bone can eliminate the need to rebuild large areas of the upper jaw first.
- Need full-arch tooth replacement: Zygomatic implants can be incorporated into a treatment plan to support a fixed full-arch restoration in patients with extensive tooth loss and severe upper jaw bone loss.
Not everyone with upper jaw bone loss needs zygomatic implants. A detailed examination and 3D imaging allow Dr. Kesecker to evaluate the amount and location of available bone and determine whether conventional implants, bone grafting, or zygomatic implants are appropriate.
How Zygomatic Implants Differ From Traditional Dental Implants
Traditional dental implants are placed directly into the upper or lower jawbone and require sufficient bone to provide stability. Zygomatic implants are much longer and extend into the cheekbone, allowing them to support a full-arch restoration when severe bone loss makes conventional implant placement difficult.
Zygomatic implants are used specifically in the upper jaw and are generally reserved for complex cases. Depending on the amount and location of remaining bone, they may be used alone or in combination with conventional dental implants.
What to Expect During Treatment
Zygomatic implant placement requires careful planning because of the length and position of the implants and their relationship to surrounding anatomical structures. Treatment generally includes the following stages:
- Consultation and planning: Dr. Kesecker performs a comprehensive examination and uses 3D imaging to evaluate the upper jaw, cheekbones, sinuses, and surrounding anatomy.
- Anesthesia: Anesthesia options are discussed before surgery based on the treatment plan and individual needs.
- Implant placement: The zygomatic implants are carefully positioned and anchored within the cheekbones. Depending on the amount and location of available bone, conventional implants may also be used as part of the full-arch treatment plan.
- Temporary restoration: When adequate implant stability is achieved, a temporary restoration may be attached while the implants heal.
- Healing and final restoration: The implants integrate with the surrounding bone over the following months. Once healing is complete, the final restoration can be completed.
Recovery After Zygomatic Implant Surgery
Some swelling, soreness, and bruising are expected during the first several days after zygomatic implant surgery. These symptoms should gradually improve as the surgical sites begin to heal, and most patients can return to many normal daily activities within about a week.
During early recovery, you will need to follow a soft diet and avoid strenuous activity while the implants heal. Good oral hygiene is also important, but you may need to modify how you brush and clean around the surgical areas. Dr. Kesecker will provide specific post-operative instructions based on your procedure.
Although the initial recovery occurs over the first few weeks, the implants continue integrating with the bone for several months. Follow-up appointments allow us to monitor healing and implant stability before your final restoration is completed.
Advanced Care for Complex Implant Cases
Zygomatic implants can provide a stable foundation for full-arch tooth replacement when severe upper jaw bone loss makes conventional implant treatment difficult. At Legacy Surgery, Dr. Jeffery Kesecker develops an individualized surgical plan based on your anatomy, available bone, and restorative needs.
Schedule a consultation to learn whether zygomatic implants are right for you and which treatment approach may best meet your needs.
FAQs
Are zygomatic implants only used in the upper jaw?
Yes. Zygomatic implants are designed to anchor in the zygomatic, or cheekbone, and are used to address severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
How long are zygomatic implants?
Zygomatic implants are considerably longer than conventional dental implants because they extend from the upper jaw into the cheekbone. The appropriate implant length is selected based on the patient’s anatomy and treatment plan.
Can I get temporary teeth with zygomatic implants?
In some cases, a temporary fixed restoration can be attached soon after implant placement when sufficient stability is achieved. Immediate restoration is not appropriate in every case, so this is determined during treatment planning.
What are the disadvantages of zygomatic implants?
Zygomatic implant placement is more complex than conventional dental implant surgery and requires specialized surgical planning. Potential disadvantages include a more involved procedure and risks such as sinus complications, infection, altered sensation, and implant failure.
How long does it take for zygomatic implants to heal?
Initial swelling, soreness, and bruising typically improve during the first week, while the surgical sites continue healing over the following weeks. The implants generally require several months to fully integrate with the bone.
Is there an oral surgeon in the Shenandoah Valley who offers zygomatic implants?
Legacy Surgery provides advanced dental implant treatment at our Harrisonburg and Staunton locations for patients throughout the Shenandoah Valley. Care is led by Dr. Jeffery Kesecker, a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon with experience in complex dental implant procedures