Even though dental implants are one of the best ways to restore missing teeth, not everyone qualifies for traditional implant treatment. Particularly if there is excessive bone loss. Fortunately, zygomatic dental implants can be used in extreme cases of bone loss when someone still wants to get implant treatment.
Instead of using the bone in your jaw, zygomatic designs allow for a modified treatment that uses your cheekbones (zygomatic arch), just above your missing teeth. These implants are longer than conventional versions and are placed at an angle instead of straight up and down. When fully integrated, zygomatic implants can be used to anchor full-arch restorations.
Switching from a traditional implant design to zygomatic options opens up a ton of possibilities for someone who had gone a long time with missing teeth or needs more specialized care.
A zygomatic dental implant is much longer than a traditional design, as it reaches up a bit further into your bone structure. At the gumlines, a small abutment is attached to extend through the gum tissues, which then support the fixed prosthesis on top of them.
Zygomatic vs. Traditional Dental Implants
Traditional dental implants closely match the shape and size of an anatomical tooth root. They’re also placed in the jawbone in a similar position to natural teeth. Zygomatic implants, on the other hand, are more extensive and require specialized care to install. These implants are not limited to your immediate jaw structure like natural tooth roots. The longer design will go through the jaw and up into the bony area that makes up your cheekbones. Zygomatic implants allow you to take advantage of the other bone structures in your mouth when jaw bone density isn’t strong enough for traditional implant treatment. This makes them very useful for individuals who might not be eligible for implants due to bone loss.
Unfortunately, not all implant dentists offer zygomatic implants. You’ll need to see an implant specialist to perform the oral surgery, which is usually completed under sedation, because of the extra training and technology they have on hand in their practice. If your dentist has told you that you don’t qualify for dental implants, be sure to ask them about zygomatic designs or call an implant specialist like the ones at ARCHPOINT to explore all of your options.
How Are Zygomatic Implants Placed?
Zygomatic dental implants are placed in a patient’s mouth during a brief, in-office surgical procedure. The dental surgeon will make an incision and use special tools to prepare your bone for the implant installation. Once the implant is installed, we may prescribe antibiotics and pain medication if necessary. Applying a cold compress on and off every 20 minutes can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Even though you’ll likely be sleeping during the implant surgery, we’ll still use local anesthetic to numb the immediate area around the installation site.
Why Choose Zygomatic Implants?
If you’re missing all of your teeth in your mouth or have worn dentures for an extended period of time, there’s a good chance that you’ve also experienced moderate to severe bone loss. While these circumstances would contraindicate traditional implants, having an option like zygomatic dental implant designs means you can still undergo full mouth rehabilitation for treatments like All-on-4 or full-arch implants.
Common Questions About Zygomatic Implants Answered
How do zygomatic dental implants work?
Zygomatic implants use the bone adjacent to your jaw when severe bone loss inhibits the placement of traditional implant designs.
Does it hurt to get zygomatic dental implants?
Getting zygomatic dental implants is just as comfortable of a process as other full arch implant treatments. Sedation options will help keep you as comfortable as possible.
Are zygomatic dental implants just for tooth replacement or can they be used to support dentures as well?
Typically, we only use zygomatic implants for All-on-4 full-arch restoration. Since they’re installed at an angle, we use their abutments to anchor hybrid prosthetics that span the entire width of your jaw.
How long does it take to get a zygomatic implant after losing a tooth?
If you’re having all of your teeth extracted, we can coordinate your dental implant installation at the same time or shortly thereafter.
Can I use zygomatic implants even if I have other teeth, crowns, or bridges?
Zygomatic implants are usually reserved for full-arch tooth replacement. If you have existing teeth or other fixed restorations, zygomatic implants probably aren’t necessary.
Is it Possible to Replace All of My Teeth with Zygomatic Dental Implants?
Yes. Zygomatic implants are stable and predictable enough to use for full-arch reconstruction. Our DFW implant specialists can put as few as four implants in place, and use them to anchor a prosthesis such as an “All-on-4” or “All-on-6” hybrid denture. All-on-4 is a streamlined, full arch design that replaces all your upper or lower teeth with only four implants to support it.
Keep in mind that zygomatic dental implants are installed inside of the zygoma bone. Since there is no zygoma bone in the lower jaw, zygomatic implants are only applicable to restoring your upper arch.
This expanded service is only available with a team of specialists like the implant experts at ARCHPOINT. Our facility features state-of-the-art technology and a complete team of dental specialists who provide a full range of implant services in the Dallas and Fort Worth areas. Since we specialize in implant therapy, we’re able to provide care beyond what’s usually accessible in a traditional family practice.
Where Can I Get Zygomatic Implants in DFW?
If you live in or around Dallas, Fort Worth, or the greater DFW area and want to know where you can get zygomatic dental implants, we encourage you to call ARCHPOINT. Our implant specialists will take all of your concerns into consideration and provide you with the relevant information you need about this state-of-the-art treatment.
If you’re interested in learning more about how zygomatic dental implants work, contact ARCHPOINT in Dallas or Ft. Worth today to request a no-obligation consultation. We look forward to helping you achieve a beautiful smile!
