Some patients may require more advanced solutions, such as zygoma implants, to repair severe damage to their teeth. In extreme cases of bone loss in the upper jaw, regular implants may not work.Regular dental implants are only viable for patients who have adequate bone mass for support. Unlike conventional implants that are placed into the jaw, zygoma implants are placed into the cheekbone (also known as the zygomatic bone). This provides support to any orthodontic appliances you insert.
The cheekbone (zygomatic bone) is much more dense compared to the jawbone, providing greater support to the implants. Zygomatic implants have been used as early as the 1980s and have a long history of success stories with patients.
A Teeth Replacement Solution for Those with the Most Severe Form of Bone Loss
Patients often experience significant jawbone loss because of missing teeth. They may not have any bone left in the jaw to hold regular implants. Instead of undergoing bone graft surgery, these patients can utilize zygomatic implants.
The treatment is completed with a team of specialists who ensure that your teeth look as natural and are as strong as possible.
Zygomatic Implants - The Process
The first step before any surgical intervention is consultation. Our oral surgeons will inspect the state of your teeth, cheekbone, as well as jawbone before proceeding with the dental implants. Impressions of your teeth and oral cavity are then taken to assist with implant planning.
Zygomatic dental implants feature a longer design and are angled up into the cheekbone. The implants make their way from the soft tissue through the area that has extensive bone loss and into the zygomatic arch of the jawbone.
Benefits of Zygoma Implants
There are several benefits of zygoma implants, the most notable being that it often doesn't require bone grafting. As discussed earlier, it is ideal for patients who have experienced extensive bone loss. Zygomatic implants are often used as a last resort option for patients who have been told that regular implant treatment isn't possible for them.
Another advantage of zygomatic implants is that they can provide support to up to three or four teeth. By comparison, a regular dental implant may only support one or two teeth. In the hands of experienced specialists like Dr. McMurray and Dr. Chehrehsa, you could provide support to a full upper dental bridge with only four zygomatic implants.
In terms of success rate, zygomatic implants are extremely effective when you compare them to the alternatives. Moreover, technology has come a long way in the past two decades. However, the success of zygomatic implants is predicated on the patient's own general health as well as their commitment to regular maintenance.
In order to maintain complete functionality, patients should be extra careful when maintaining their oral health. This means regularly brushing and flossing their teeth at least twice a day to keep both the implants and their prosthetics relatively clean.
It is also necessary to book regular appointments with our dentists to clean areas of the mouth that may be hard to reach with a toothbrush. If you follow post-op instructions after undergoing zygomatic implants, your procedure should last a lifetime.
Schedule an Appointment Today!
For more information on zygomatic implants, contact us at 408-479-9449 today to schedule an appointment!