Zygomatic Dental Implants

A Teeth Replacement Solution For Those With The Most Severe Form Of Bone Loss

Zygomatic implants were designed for those who have experienced significant loss of bone, and who therefore could not be considered for conventional dental implants. Prior to the development of zygomatic implants, treatment for those with severe bone loss was limited to wearing standard complete dentures. Zygomatic implants, also known as rescue implants, are an alternative to the combination of traditional dental implants and bone grafting when there is insufficient bone in the upper jaw.

A Bone Grafting Alternative

Patients who have moderate, advanced, or even extreme resorption of the upper jaw (thereby not having enough bone structure to support conventional dental implants) would benefit from zygomatic implants. Zygomatic implants consist of a non-removable appliance that attaches to the zygoma (the inner side of the cheekbone). This procedure does not involve bone grafting nor a six-month healing period, which enables the implants to be placed immediately.

Zygomatic Implant surgery

The process begins with a consultation which involves gathering additional information so that each implant can be placed with precision and accuracy. CBCT scans (advanced radiographs and imaging) are required in order to create the custom 3D (3-dimensional) planning guide that is used to accurately place the implants during surgery.

At the surgical appointment, teeth requiring extraction will be removed prior to zygomatic implant placement. Long implant screws will be anchored within the zygoma, the thick and solid bone near the sinus, also known as the cheekbone. Typically, the process requires the use of two zygomatic implants in combination with two to four traditional implants. The traditional implants are placed in the anterior region (toward the front of the jaw) where the upper front teeth were previously located.

The Benefits Of Zygomatic Implants

Zygomatic implant surgery is an advanced implant technique. This revolutionary treatment enables those previously unable to consider implants, to have the opportunity to enjoy the stability of a fully functional complement of teeth. The benefits include:

  • Immediate loading of fixed teeth is possible
  • Bone grafting is not required
  • Sinus lift procedure is not required
  • Involves only a single surgery
  • Advantageous recovery time
  • Intravenous sedation permits the surgery to be as comfortable as possible
  • The treatment is both time effective and cost effective

Who Can Place Zygomatic Implants?

The surgical skill involved in placing zygomatic implants requires extensive expertise, experience, and training. Dr. Özcan has been formally trained in zygomatic implant surgery, and has perfected the art and precision of carefully placing each zygomatic implant.

What can be expected with Zygomatic Implant Surgery?

At Dr. Özcan’s office, patient safety and comfort is of paramount importance. For a more comfortable experience, intravenous sedation is administered in combination with anti-inflammatory medications which reduce post-operative discomfort. Following surgery, discomfort experienced is generally moderate in nature.  Some bruising is to be expected, and discomfort can generally be managed with over-the-counter pain medications such as Ibuprofen and Tylenol. Dr. Özcan would be happy to discuss this advanced surgical technique further during a private consultation. 

Dr. Özcan offers life-changing zygomatic implants to those who have lost teeth in the upper jaw and are unable to have dental implants due to extreme jawbone deterioration and lack of chewing strength. First introduced in Europe in 1988 and in North America in 1998, zygomatic implants have a long-standing success rate.

The placement of zygomatic implants is  a revolutionary solution to replace missing teeth, for those who have suffered the most advanced forms of bone loss. Zygomatic implants enable such patients to achieve maximum oral function and an esthetically pleasing smile. If interested in learning more about zygomatic implants, feel free to contact our office at (250) 614-1828 to schedule a consultation.