Zygomatic Dental Implants: Pros and Cons

Losing one or more teeth can be an unpleasant problem, which can be solved with the help of zygomatic implants.

This is one of the least traumatic methods of tooth replacement intended for the upper jaw. The procedure involves the installation of special rods into the cheekbone tissue. This complex method requires an implant surgeon to be highly qualified and experienced in working with similar materials. Zygomatic implantation is characterized by high efficiency, and if the protocols are followed correctly, complications and risks are practically eliminated.

What Are Zygomatic Dental Implants

This procedure differs from traditional implantation in that the artificial root is implanted not into the jaw bone but into the zygomatic bone. It has greater strength and density, which allows it to be successfully implanted even in cases of significant bone loss. This will restore not only the ability to chew but also the aesthetic appeal of a smile. In addition, this procedure is performed faster: preliminary operations to build up bone tissue are not required, and after installing the implant, there is no need to wait for engraftment, installation of a gum former and healing.

Zygomatic teeth implants are also distinguished by their increased length and special shape. The Swiss company Nobel Biocare was the first to offer this innovative solution. Their Zygoma implants are a revolution in dental surgery. They have a length of 30 to 52 mm, which allows the use of the cheekbone, which is not subject to thinning and inflammatory processes. Modern Zygomatic models are available in two versions: with a straight and angular platform with a beveled upper edge. A special feature of Nobel items is the patented porous and active TiUnit coating with microgrooves. It promotes rapid healing of the zygo implant due to the growth of bone cells inside the pores, which ensures a reliable connection.

Indications for Installation of Zygomatic Implants

This dental surgery is used in exceptional cases when the upper jaw is in very serious condition and the installation of traditional implants is impossible. The lack of bone tissue and the proximity of the nasal and maxillary sinuses make it impossible to install a standard item even at an angle. Reasons for installing dental implants in the cheekbone may include:

• Complete absence of dentition or multiple losses in the lateral segments.
• Significant bone loss due to cancer or atrophy.
• Unsuccessful surgery.
• Advanced periodontal disease.
• Injuries of the upper jaw with resorption due to trauma or surgery.
• The need for rapid restoration with prosthetics.

In addition, the indications for this method of implantation may be similar to those for the classical one. These include partial or complete loss of teeth (edentia), the need to remove teeth in the upper jaw, as well as trauma and disease of the roots.

Features of the Zygomatic Implant Procedure

The peculiarities of dental implantation using this method are that artificial roots are screwed into the zygomatic bone tissue to a great depth. This area is adjacent to the temporal and frontal areas, which requires maximum precision from the facial surgeon. The bone of the upper jaw is highly dense, ensuring reliable installation and virtually eliminating displacement. Zygomatic implant surgery is performed without the need for bone augmentation.

As with any dental implantation, the success of the procedure depends on careful and high-quality preparation. First, the specialist must evaluate the feasibility of the procedure. To do this, in addition to examination and questionnaires, it is necessary to do a computed tomography scan and a detailed blood test to assess the general state of health. If there are chronic diseases, the NY dentist may refer the patient for consultation with specialists.

Dental restoration using zygomatic implants usually occurs without complications or discomfort for patients. After completing the first stage and installing the temporary structure, you can return to normal life. However, in the first days you should avoid solid foods, do not chew on the side where the implants are installed, and temporarily avoid strenuous physical activity and visiting a bathhouse or sauna. Otherwise, there are no restrictions: the patient does not experience pain, and taste and diction remain unchanged.

Benefits of Zygomatic Implants

The zygomatic bone implantation method has become extremely popular among patients all over the world due to its ability quickly perform prosthetics without loss of quality. These implants can be stored even as ridge bone atrophy decreases because they do not require bone grafting. Unlike the classic ones, zygomatic dental implants can always withstand chewing load.

What other advantages does this method have:

• reduction of treatment period (from 3–6 months to several weeks);
• no need to install a healing abutment;
• the ability to restore the dentition when the bone is very thin;
• high establishment (more than 95%);
• short rehabilitation period;
• aesthetic result.

In addition, zygomatic dental implants can be performed even in patients with chronic gum disease. This is because the cheekbone maintains its density due to its unique structure. And high quality standards ensure the service life of these implants for more than 20 years, which is confirmed by clinical studies.

Disadvantages of Zygomatic Implants

It is worth realizing that it is a unique, complex system of steps that requires the dentist to be the bearer of deep, professional knowledge of maxillofacial surgery. Therefore, first of all, it is important not to make a mistake in choosing a specialist.

Before installation, the patient should take into account that after surgery there is a high risk of developing sinusitis due to swelling of the paranasal sinuses. This condition requires specialized treatment but is usually well controlled. Additionally, the availability of this procedure is limited due to its high specialization, which may make it difficult to access for some patients seeking alternatives to standard implants.

Surgeries with zygomatic implants carry risks due to their deep penetration into the bone, passage through the maxillary sinuses and close location to the orbit. A doctor's mistake can lead to chronic sinusitis, fistulas on the skin and pain at the site of fixation. If there are signs of discomfort after the rehabilitation period, the patient should immediately seek help.

The cost of zygomatic dental implants varies depending on the chosen treatment protocol and the number of dental items used. They are more expensive than conventional ones since they differ not only in length but also in shape, structure and more complex manufacturing technology.