Are Zygomatic Implants Safe
Dental implants are a popular and highly successful way for patients to replace missing teeth! For patients who have significant bone loss in their upper jaw, they may not have enough bone structure to support dental implants. In some cases, a patient’s bone may have even dissolved under their nose. This can pose difficulties for some who need dental implants to restore their mouth but fortunately, there are safe and effective alternative solutions, such as zygomatic dental implants.
What are zygomatic dental implants?
Zygomatic dental implants are a solution for patients who have the most severe form of bone loss in their upper jaw. As opposed to endosteal and subperiosteal implants which are placed either on or above your jawbone, zygomatic implants are actually anchored in your cheek bone, which is called the "zygoma"! They can be used in lieu of a bone graft in cases where bone grafts cannot be harvested for some reason and are, therefore, less invasive.
These extra-long implants are placed from inside the mouth (like traditional implants) near the location of your bicuspid teeth. The implant then anchors into the thick, solid zygomatic bone. The zygomatic implant technique is predictable for your doctor and has an excellent record of outcome. Compared with major bone grafting, it is still a less invasive technique.
Having additional support in the upper jaw is ideal for the longevity of dental implant restorations because this is where the bone is typically very soft. Zygomatic implants are a very safe and predictable procedure for patients who need implants.
What are the risks of zygomatic implants?
The zygomatic implant procedure has a long track record of success. It was first introduced in the United States in 1998 but has been used in Europe since 1988. As with any surgical procedure, there are risks associated with zygomatic implants. Complications from zygomatic implants, sinusitis being the most common, can be difficult to treat or can result in loss of the implant and are therefore used only when it is appropriate. When there is little-to-no bone present where an implant needs to be placed, dental implant and bone grafting procedures carry some degree of risk.
Are zygomatic implants right for you?
If you have extreme bone loss in your upper jaw, zygomatic implants offer a safe and predictable solution. They are also a way to decrease cost and treatment time since a bone graft can add months to your overall healing time. Additionally, zygomatic implants are much less invasive than other dental implant treatments for severe bone loss in the upper jaw.
Discuss all of your options with your dentist before you decide what is best for you. They will be able to provide you with all of the information you will need to make an educated decision!